West Brookfield - Dorothy Theresa (Graham) Ratcliffe, 89, formerly of 50 Poplar Park Dr., Wells, Maine, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 8, 2010. She had been a resident of Quaboag on the Common nursing home in West Brookfield since Sept. 1, 2009.
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Robert and Dorothy O. T. (Heritage) Graham. She graduated from Worcester High School of Commerce and was employed at the former Norton Co., now St. Gobain Abrasives, as a Senior Clerk in the Traffic Dept. She was a member of both the First Presbyterian Church of Worcester and St. David's Episcopal Church in Kennebunk, Maine. She was a member of the Sessions, the Altar Guild, and a volunteer at the St. David's Budget Box. She read her Bible in its entirety each year and faithfully donated to organizations that provide Bibles around the world.
She is survived by a brother James F. Graham and wife Margery of Beverly Hills, FL with whom she wintered for several years; two sisters, Hilda A. Benson of Brooksville, FL and Margaret L. Loss of Danielson, CT; a step-son John M. Ratcliffe and wife Joyce of Englewood, FL and South Yarmouth, MA. In addition, she leaves four step-granddaughters, Brenda Gilbert of Wales, MA, Lisa Xiarhos, Donna Ratcliffe and Laurie Simonian - all of Cape Cod; several nephews and nieces; and 7 step-great grandchildren.
She was pre-deceased by her first husband, George J. Vincent who died in 1975; her second husband, Milton Ratcliffe who died in 2002; a brother, Robert A. Graham, sisters Edna-Mae E. Graham, Florence Goodell, and Jean E. Wagner; step-son Douglas C. Ratcliffe; and a step-great grandson USMC Cpl Nicholas G. Xiarhos who gave his life in battle in Afghanistan in July 2009.
Funeral arrangements are through Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA. Calling hours will be held Friday, August 13, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. The Funeral Service will held at the First Presbyterian Church, 125 Holden St., Worcester Saturday, August 14, at 10:00 a.m. and will be led by Pastor Robert Ferguson. Following the Service, burial will be at the Worcester County memorial Park, Paxton, MA with Pastor Robert Ferguson giving the Committal.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Worcester or St. David's Episcopal Church, 138 York St., Kennebunk, ME 04043. For directions to the funeral home or to leave an on-line condolence message in Dot's guestbook, please click link below.