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- [S5] Obituary.
Recorder, The (Greenfield, MA) - Friday, August 18, 2017
Deceased Name: Dorothy E. Gamache
One of my mom's favorite sayings of late was "I'm just an ordinary person, a nobody", but on Sunday August 13, 2017 a most extraordinary person named Dorothy Gamache, age 77 entered Heavens Gates. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of her family and friends, carried her through her long struggle with cancer and ultimately gave her peace. Dorothy made a decision to be joyful about having had a full life, rather than sad about having to die.
Born Dorothy Eva Lapine on March 1, 1940 in Greenfield, Massachusetts to the late Charles H. Lapine and Marion E. (Hulbert) Lapine. Dottie, as she was affectionately called was one of eight children. She was pre-deceased by her brothers Edward, Donald, Richard, and Mike (Myron) as well as her beloved sister Ruthie Clark. She leaves her remaining siblings, brother William Lapine, and her dearest sister Edna Kuzontkoski as well as sisters in law Betty, Esther, and Norma Lapine. Dorothy was blessed with a large and loving family.
She married her best friend and husband of 60 years, Charles Edward Gamache on June 9, 1957 in East Deerfield, Massachusetts. Dorothy along with her husband raised eight children with love, patience, discipline and humility. As a woman of faith, she was the heart of the Gamache family. Since the very beginning, she dedicated her husband and children to God and continued to pray for them until her last day. As a family, they loved, Sunday drives, picnics, blueberry picking and outdoor movies.
Dorothy is survived by her husband Charles Edward Gamache Sr. and their children Charles Edward Gamache Jr., Anthony Mark Gamache, Tina Louise (Gamache) Lapenta and husband George, Richard James Gamache and wife Lori, Sandra Jean Desonie and roommate Charles, Judith Marie Gamache, Allen Ken Gamache and wife Lorraine, and Phyllis Annette Gamache and her boyfriend Danny. Dorothy was a grandmother of 17. She shared a special bond with granddaughter Aimee Lee Rackham as well as grandsons Alexander Lee Lapenta and Andrew Lee Lapenta. Dorothy loved all her grandchildren and was proud of each and every one of them: David Cox, Tomas Harriman, Terry Johnson, Brian Harriman, Amelia Tobin, Tyler Tobin, Megan Nehring, Phoebe Michaud, Allen Gamache Jr., Kristopher Gamache, Cindy Hunter, Mike Tobey and Thomas Tobey. Dorothy was pre-deceased by grandson Anthony Edward Gamache. Dorothy at last count had 17 great-grandchildren and loved visits with her great-granddaughter Lilah Jade Rackham. Dorothy was also especially close to her niece Phyllis Abbott and had many other loving nieces, nephews and relatives.
Known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers, Dorothy always listened to people and never left anyone out. She possessed a contagious smile and maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, praying for others and positive attitude will never be forgotten. Possessing a true servant's heart, Dorothy faithfully cared for family and friends and helped so many by her tireless Christian example. Dorothy loved to chat, read, have holidays at her house and make crafts.
She attended Deerfield Grammar School and Deerfield High School. She worked at several area nursing homes. She was a long-time member of The Salvation Army Church and proud to serve and wear the uniform. She always valued her calling to be a wife and mother as her most important. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her Creator. Her memory will be carried on in the legacy of love which is now in each and every one of us ? the lives she touched by her love.
A celebration of Dorothy's life will be held on Saturday September 2nd at 1pm (Casual dress) at The Congregation of Grace Church, 148 L Street, Turners Falls, MA.
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