Dorothy Matteson Putnam, 98, of Friendship, died at the South Portland Nursing Home on March 20. Dot was the youngest of three children born to Hobart V. and Edna M. Matteson on Dec. 17, 1909. She graduated from Bradford Jr. College, Mills College, and the Katherine Gibbs School.
Married in 1939 to her beloved husband, E. Everett Putnam (deceased 1993), they shared over 50 years of marriage. Living until retirement in Acton, Mass., they moved to a home they built on the coast in Friendship.
Dorothy, an avid reader and gardener, loved dancing and was an accomplished pianist, a devoted wife, mother and “grand” mother. During her last years, her great-grandchildren became a focal point of her life. Dorothy lived a full and inspiring life, leaving a legacy and fine example for her family. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.
Dorothy is survived by her three children, Judith P. Ribeiro and partner, Richard Semmes, of Round Pond, Janet P. Geyer and husband Richard, of Cape Elizabeth, and Harry A. Putnam and wife Ann, of Newtown, Conn.; six grandchildren, Janice Ribeiro, Jay Ribeiro and wife Jennifer, Heidi Geyer Topchik and husband Michael, Kristi Geyer Wohl and her husband Cliff, Eric Putnam, and Grant Putnam; seven beloved great-grandchildren, Julia Ribeiro, David Ribeiro, Lauren Topchik, Amy Topchik, Kolby Wohl, Campbell Wohl and Samuel Ribeiro, all of whom shared a special relationship with their Great Nanny.
A family memorial service will be held in the spring and a private internment will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Acton, Mass.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to South Portland Nursing Home, 42 Anthoine St., South Portland, ME 04106.