Obituary of Dorothy Ann Camerlengo

Dorothy Ann Camerlengo, a woman who loved her family and children passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at the Lahey Hospital.  She was 91 years old.  Dorothy was one of 10 children born to Ruth and Michael Cannon.  She grew up in Medford in a home busting at the seams with children, a bit of chaos, and a lot of love.  In a family of that size, she learned very quickly about cooperation, moderation, thinking of others, and most importantly that family always came first.  Those values and life lessons are what guided her throughout the remainder of her life.  She married her husband Albert “Gerry” in 1951 and started their life together on an Air Force Base in Oregon.  Leaving a life surrounded by a large amount of family was a bit of a culture shock, but that is what you do for the one you love.  After their stint in Oregon, they moved back to Everett, then Malden where they raised their 3 children.  In 1969, they purchased their home in Burlington where Dorothy has made a warm and loving home for her family for the past 51 years. 

Dorothy’s life revolved around caring for others.  It was never about her, it was what she could do for someone else.  One of her jobs of the years was working as a nanny for a family in Lynnfield for many years.  She embraced the children like they were her own filling their lives with wonderful experiences, harmony, and a sense of being loved unconditionally.  Another position she had was as a home health aide for seniors.  She was kind, understanding, and gave them the independence and the dignity to live somewhat independently rather than being in an assisted living or nursing home facility.  Her most important position in life was that of mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She was always there for her family.  She was a stay at home mother, ran the household, was everyone’s confidant, and supported her family in whatever manner she could.  She cared for her grandchildren so her daughters could keep their careers.  She always described her grandchildren and great grandchildren as “Her Loves.”  She had a special gift that made her be able to connect with each one in a special way.  She was fun, engaging, always had a smile, and would not hesitate to get on the floor, even in her later years and play any sort of game.  She did the same with her great grandchildren.  They all had the opportunity to experience her warm and nurturing love.  Even in her last days, she was still doing puzzles with them as if she did not have a care in the world.  Her kindness extended to extended family as well.  She cared for her husband’s aunt and she assisted and visited her siblings and spouses through their health challenges as well.  She loved working around her home, tending to her flower gardens, and being a part of neighborhood gatherings and cookouts.  She also enjoyed spending time with her girlfriends at Bingo and as a member of several bowling leagues.  She was a ray of sunshine right up to passing. Dorothy will always be remembered and described as “a woman who loved and was loved by all.”

Dorothy was the Beloved wife of the late Albert G.  Loving mother of David of Burlington, Joan Sunderland & her husband Mark of Burlington and Luanne Cordeau & her husband Daniel of Concord.    Proud grandmother of Stacy Comb & her husband Brad, Marianne Munroe, Haley & Michael Cordeau.  Great Grandmother of Gracelyn Rose Maribito and Allison Comb.  Sister of Lawrence Cannon of Concord, NH, and the late Winifred Farineau, Janet Vangel, Janice Chalifour, Ruth Conley, William, James, Charles & George Cannon.   Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt 128/95 Woburn side) on Monday, Oct. 19 from 6-8 p.m.  Funeral from the Funeral Home on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 10:30 a.m.  Followed by Graveside Services at Holy Cross Cemetery, 175 Broadway, Malden at Noon.   In lieu of flowers memorials in Dorothy’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452  www.alzmassnh.org