Dorothy E. (Ring) Blondin, of Framingham passed away peacefully at the age of 85, on Monday, September 11, 2017 at Saint Patrick’s Manor in Framingham surrounded by her loving family.
Born, raised and educated in Roslindale, the daughter of the late John and Ethel (Leighton) Ring, she was raised by her mother and beloved uncle “Jack” (John Madison Leighton). She was a 1949 graduate of Roslindale High School.
Dorothy made friends wherever she went. She was the embodiment of the phrase “live well, laugh often, love much”. She had the gift of hospitality and was exceptionally warm and welcoming. Mom was a wonderful cook and prided herself on maintaining a lovely, well-appointed home and beautiful, restful gardens. She always said her greatest role in life was being mother to her seven children. Family pictures at Easter say it all. Nine people spit-shined and ready for church with 6 girls decked out in gloves, and hats, carrying little purses. Her greatest delight and joy was family. She deeply loved, and was so very proud of her children and each and every member of their families. She was a wonderful mom, grandmother and great grandmother.
On a fun note, mom was the cartwheel champion in elementary school and often won school spelling bee competitions. We have a picture of her costumed as the “red, red, robin” in her 2nd grade play in which she sang and danced. She had a lovely voice and later sang in her church choir. She often led our family in song, whether at church or on Christmas Eve at home.
Mom loved her garden and found great peace and solace there. A beloved sign read “One is nearer God’s heart in the garden than anywhere else on earth”. Dorothy was able to incorporate her love of flowers and landscape when she began working at Schumacher Landscaping in the late 1970’s as a receptionist, eventually being promoted to project manager/estimator where she worked on projects such as the JFK library and Water Front Park.
Mom was a terrific cook and baker! After her 7 children left home, her love of baking was satisfied by catering delicious cakes from her home. She authored a church cookbook when she was President of the Christian Mother’s Association at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Greendale, Wisconsin.
Mom loved laughter and merriment! Other than family, (and sometimes because of them!), laughter brought mom great joy. We warmly recall her infectious laughter and attempts at suppressing giggles in questionably funny situations! She and dear friend (of over 50 years), Donna McNulty, were destined to be buddies due to their shared sense of humor, fun loving spirit and love of travel. They had many, many wonderful adventures together at home and abroad.
Mom loved to dance, and especially liked ballroom and swing! She loved all kinds of music including big band, classical and hymns. She enjoyed season tickets to the Boston Ballet and concerts at Symphony Hall and the Boston Pops. Being a “born and bred” Boston girl, mom loved her Red Sox and NE Patriots! She also enjoyed crossword, Sudoku, puzzles and books, with a special fondness for Agatha Christy and other mysteries.
Mom gave to everyone-- family, friends, strangers and community. Later in life, she found special reward volunteering as a Stephens Minister supporting the “lonely and hurting” through Trinitarian Congregational Church in Wayland.
Mom was spunky, feisty and tenacious. Winston Churchill’s quote “Never, never, never give up” was prominently posted in her room. She was an inspiration to her family and all who met her. We wish to thank the amazing staff at Orchard Hill Assisted Living in Sudbury, MA and St Patrick’s Manor in Framingham, MA for their dedicated, compassionate, support and care of Mom.
Dorothy is survived by her children Paul Blondin and wife Suzanne of Boston, Ginny Rich and husband Chris of Wayland, Risa Tucker and husband Michael of Charlotte, NC, Amy Feasel of Raleigh, NC, Charity Lawton and husband Tim of Goleta, CA, Jackie Anza of Milford, Therese Rowe and husband Steve, late of Bath, ME now relocating to Bradenton, FL; her cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Blondin, Eileen Frager, Martha Arena, Christopher, Adam, and Lindsay Rich, Mattie Feasel Wolf and husband Danny, John Feasel and fiancé Kali, Dan Lawton and wife Kimberly, Nathan Lawton and wife Rachel, Michael Anza and wife Ligiane, Matthew Anza and wife Andrea, Alyssa, Zac, and Luke Smith; beloved great grandchildren Cody, Jakob, Kaiden and Alexandria Lawton, and Brielle and Jackson Anza all of whom she was so proud. She was predeceased by her siblings, John Ring, Elaine Finnell and Eleanor Castonguay.
Arrangements for a private family Celebration of Dorothy’s Life have been entrusted for a later time to the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, at Natick Common.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy’s memory can be made to, JDRF Memorial Donations Program by Clicking Here. Please select “MA-New England Chapter.” Or mail to JDRF attn.: Memorial Donations Program, 60 Walnut Street, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.