Obituary of Dorothy Ryder

Dorothy E. (Giles-Widtfeldt) Ryder, a woman who devoted herself to her family, passed away at the Methuen Healthcare Facility on Thursday, November 24, 2011. She was 88 years old. Dottie was born in Hampden, Maine, the daughter of the late Alvah & Jessie Giles. She grew up and was educated in Hampden. At the age of 18, she met an Army serviceman, Walter G. Widtfeldt, who was stationed in Maine. They were married only days before the start of WW II. They settled in Woburn and started a family together, which would grow to 6 children. When Walter passed away, Dottie worked several jobs to support her family. She worked as a technician at Sweetheart Plastics in Wilmington and Inforex in Burlington. She also worked as a banquet waitress at Marty’s for Parties in Lowell and it was during that time she met a fellow employee, Russell Ryder, who she eventually married and shared 45 years of marriage together. Dottie’s life revolved around her family. She worked extremely hard to balance being a good provider as well as a loving mother. She was always there for her children to lend a hand with her grandchildren, offer some kind advice, or a helping hand. She had the wonderful gift of being able to make each individual family member feel special and loved. She showed and expressed her affection for her family daily, whether it be a kind word, a hug, or a simple touch, you knew she loved you. She loved being a Nanny to her 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. Dottie was also a wonderful cook and baker, who always cooked from scratch. It wasn’t unusual for her to make over 20 pies for a holiday, just so that each family member or friend would have a special treat to take home with them at the end of the day. She was a huge Red Sox fan and at her passing had her favorite pink Red Sox hat on her snowny white haired head. She will be remembered for her strong faith in God, concern for others, delightful sense of humor and her love of family. Dottie was the beloved wife of Russell Ryder of Burlington, formerly of Lowell, and the late Walter G. Widtfeldt. She was the loving mother of Dawn Donovan & her husband Jim of Hudson, NC, Hope Widtfeldt of Northborough, Wayne Widtfeldt & his wife Patty of Burlington, Dot Lane & her husband Dan of Sandown, NH, Ross Widtfeldt of Burlington, and the late W. George “Woody” Widtfeldt. She was the sister of Roscoe Giles of Salisbury, NC, the late Ken and Bob Giles. She was also survived by 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday 3-6 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dottie’s name may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Attn: Donor Services, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.