GLOUCESTER - Dorothy Addams Brown, or "Dotty" as she was fondly known, died gracefully in her home on Eastern Point in Gloucester, MA on March 20, 2014, the first day of spring. She departed this world with the support of her friends, neighbors, cousins and caregivers, knowing that the power of friendship is almighty and a source of infinite strength. Her giant smile, hearty laugh and generous spirit were truly contagious. Dotty was a role model of kindness, humility and stewardship. She was a highly esteemed financial officer at the Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company for four decades. She passionately believed in the transformative power of education and her legacy will guarantee that many generations will be exposed to, and have access to the arts, local history, travel, and scholarship opportunities.
Dorothy was born on May 29th, 1923, in Boston, Massachusetts to Laurence and Harriet (Young) Brown. Dotty and her older brother, Laurence A. Brown Jr., lived in Boston and Gloucester. Dotty was a proud member of the class of 1940 at The Winsor School. She went on to attend Vassar College graduating in the class of 1944/1945. Her commitment to these institutions was unwavering throughout her lifetime.
Dotty was a pioneer in the banking industry. Her tenure at the Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company spanned forty years. As a Vice President and trust officer, she provided outstanding financial planning and wisdom to all her clients and was among the first women to hold such a position at the bank.
She was a fearless world traveler and culinary enthusiast. Flying over the Swiss Alps in a hot air balloon, eating fried cicadas and riding elephants in India were among her adventures. Her collection of more than three thousand cookbooks was donated to the Peabody Essex Museum earlier this year.
When Dotty was not far afield or watching the Red Sox, she dedicated much of her free time to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA. Dotty became a member of the museum in 1957, then a museum Fellow from 1958 to 1970 and a Life Fellow starting in 1971. She was named an Honorary Trustee in 1986. She also avidly supported preserving and celebrating the art and culture of her beloved Cape Ann. She helped the Cape Ann Museum grow and root itself in the community throughout her lifetime.
Dotty was predeceased by her parents, brother and soul mate and fellow world traveler, Sarah Fraser Robbins. Her friends and extended family are too numerous to count.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church 10 Church Street, at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow at the Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant Street, Gloucester. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers please consider making a tax deductible gift to the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, 10 Church Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 or a financial contribution to the locally run organization, Caring for Caring, Discretionary Fund, 35R School Street, Rockport, MA 01966 in honor of the loving attention and service they provide the elderly at home. Donations of any amount will be used for the purpose of aiding low income clients.