Dorothy (Andrews) Gatto of West Roxbury died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on September 21, 2010. She was 87 years old.
Never one to retreat from a challenge, Dorothy Gatto lived her life in the company of those she loved, with an everlasting abundance of kindness, generosity and faith. Dorothy was born in 1923--clearly the wrong generation--for a woman so possessed with talent and ability. She was the best kind of role model for the women in her family--staying current, reading a book a day, teaching important lessons about work and family commitments, and embracing new ways of thinking all the time. She cherished her grandchildren and her nephews and enjoyed nothing more than talking with each of them. She traveled whenever she could, and enjoyed many memorable vacations with her family.
As a young woman Dorothy worked in the finance industry and spent much of her career at the Boston firm Burns and Levinson from which she retired in 1987. Dorothy was an active member of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Cedars and an excellent fundraiser, chairing many committees of over the years, including the annual Holiday Bazaar. She was an accomplished cook and loved passing on her Lebanese and Italian recipes to her family.
Most recently, her greatest accomplishment was working with the US Veteran's Administration to obtain the long-overdue Purple Heart Medal which was bestowed on her father Thomas for his service in World War I. When the Medal was delivered to her home, she was overcome with pride for the recognition, and she promptly reminded us of how important service to others is.
Dorothy will be greatly missed. Her spirit will be with us forever.
Dorothy was the dear and devoted wife of the late Pasquale Gatto. Loving mother of Patricia Gatto Hechavarria and her husband Roy of West Roxbury. Dorothy was predeceased by her son Stephen P. Gatto. Dear Grandma of Daniel, Alexa, and Michael Hechavarria.
Dorothy's Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday September 25, 2010 at Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon Church in Jamaica Plain. Please make contributions in Dorothy’s memory to the Jimmy Fund 10 Brookline Pl. West 6th Floor Brookline, MA 02445-9924.