WEBSTER – Dorothy “Dotty” M. (Makara) Hanc, 98, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 18, 2021.
Born on December 3, 1922, Dotty was a longtime resident of Webster. Dotty attended St. Joseph’s school and graduated from Bartlett High School in 1940. She first worked as an inspector at the former American Optical Company in Southbridge. After raising her son, she was a supervisor at the American Greeting Card Company for 20 years and then an inspector at Anglo Fabrics Company for 10 years, retiring in 1985. For many years, she worked at the Town polls during elections.
Making the most of her retirement, Dotty enjoyed spending time with her husband Chet as well as with her dear group of exercise and dance friends from the senior center known as the Silver Dippers. She also welcomed guests at home year round and loved to join in the festivities at the family cottage on the lake during the summer.
Dotty was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Chester and their son, Ronald. The second oldest of the late Mary (Kokocinski) and George Makara, she was also predeceased by her seven siblings: brothers Bernard “Roughie”, Stanley “Stas” and Albert “Maxie” Makara; and sisters Cecilia Majka, Stasia “Midge” Lamby, Mildred “Millie” Kusek, and Mary Dudek.
She is survived by her granddaughters and their mothers – Betzi-Lynn (Marla) and Amber, Abby, Alaina (Linda). She cared very much for her extended family and leaves many nephews and nieces, including Jane (Majka) O’Leary with whom she was especially close. She is also survived by her sister-like friend, Theresa Gwozdz.
Dotty was a lifelong member of Saint Joseph Basilica and belonged to the Holy Rosary Sodality and the Sacred Heart Society. A Mass of Celebration will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, June 26 in the church at 53 Whitcomb Street; the family requests that masks be worn. For those who cannot attend in person, a live stream of the Mass will be available through the parish website at https://parish.stjosephwebster.com. Burial will be in the Saint Joseph Garden of Peace. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the church, the Saint Joseph School Fund or a charity of your choosing.