Dorothy M. “Dottie” Charland, 92, a lifelong resident of Medway, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family.
Born in Medway on March 11, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Edmund and Viola (Marsan) Charland.
Dottie grew up in Medway and graduated from Medway High School as valedictorian in 1951. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Framingham State University in 1955 and her master’s degree from Boston State University.
Before her retirement, Dottie was a first grade school teacher in Ashland for 39 years.
She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Medway where she served as a Eucharistic minister and also did volunteer work. Dottie was a member of the Catholic Daughters, Court St. Joseph in Medway, the Medway Historical Society, and the Charles League Golf Club.
She was a very good athlete and played basketball in high school and at Framingham State. She enjoyed golf, travelling, wintering in Florida, and was a member of a golf club there.
Dottie was the sister of the late May “Pappy” Cassidy, Edmund Charland, Jr., and Elsie MacDonald.
She is survived by her lifetime friend of over 70 years, Joann Gannon of Millis; her sister-in-law Joyce Charland of Claremont, MA; twelve nieces and nephews, Kathy Sullivan, Ellen Small, Pat Riggs, Joe Cassidy, Jr., Sue Cassidy, Julie Cassidy, Jeanne Gerould, Scott MacDonald, Steve MacDonald, Frank Charland, Paula de Fougerolles and Karen Green; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass on Tuesday, June 17 at St. Joseph Church, 151 Village St. in Medway at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Medway.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 16 from 4 – 7 p.m. in the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber St. in Medway ginleyfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Dottie’s memory to the Edmund G. Charland, Sr. Scholarship Fund c/o Medway High School, 88 Summer St., Medway, MA 02053.