Dorothy “Dottie” Ethel Carter, 74, of Whitefield, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 15 at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, surrounded by friends.
Dottie was born on Dec. 4, 1938 in Ellsworth to the late Ernest Carter and Florence Mason Carter. She had one sister and two brothers and was the baby in the family.
Dottie grew up in Ellsworth, and over the years lived in Pownal, Freeport, and Newcastle, and finally, has lived in Whitefield for over 20 years.
Dottie was always a hard worker, having worked at Pineland, Freeport Town Square and the Cobbossee Center. More recently, she volunteered at the Cohen Center in Hallowell for the AniMeals program, an extension of the Meals on Wheels program, where she packed donated dog and cat food to be delivered once a week along with the meals for seniors. Last year, Dottie’s volunteer work was recognized in an article for the Portland Press Herald.
When Pineland closed in 1996, Dottie was asked to speak at the closing ceremony, an achievement and honor of which she was particularly proud.
In her younger years, Dottie always participated in the local Special Olympics through the Cobbossee Center in Gardiner, and even went to the state games a few times. She was also an active member of the advocacy group Speaking Up for Us of Maine. Dottie knew everyone! Wherever she went, she made friends easily.
Dottie’s absolute favorite thing to do was shopping, shopping, and more shopping! In particular, she loved clothes, jewelry, music and thinking of things to get for others. Of course, in warm weather, a good lawn sale was a close second. Anyone who knew Dottie could tell you that her favorite singer was the one and only “Elvis” and over the years, she collected her fair share of memorabilia, CDs, tapes, and records. One of her favorite times was when “Elvis” appeared at her workplace.
Dottie has always loved to put jigsaw puzzles together, and in her later years, loved giving her creations away to her friends. While she worked on her puzzles, the music player was always going, from the oldies, to country music, to gospel music, and her favorite Elvis, her home was always filled with music. She also loved a party, and in particular, loved Christmas and her annual birthday celebrations.
She also loved to give to others. Over the past few years, she has put shoeboxes together to send out to kids around the world through Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child”. Dottie had a very giving spirit and always wanted to help others.
Dottie has faithfully loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She has attended many different churches over the years, but most recently, attended the Green Street United Methodist Church in Augusta.
She was predeceased by father, Ernest Carter; mother, Florence Mason Carter; and brother, Donny Carter.
Dottie was survived by sister, Marion Martin of Deland, Fla.; brother, Arthur Carter of Ellsworth; nieces and nephews; special niece, Diane; and good friend, Karen Matthews of Owls Head.
Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of life to be held on what would have been Dottie’s 75th birthday, Wed., Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. at her home in Whitefield. For further information, please call 549-3542. There will be a time of remembrance, followed by refreshments.
