Dorothy Erskine (Roberts) McFadden, 84, died at Maine General Medical Center, Waterville Nov. 8 after a period of failing health. Family members were by her side. Dorothy, known affectionately as Dee, was born in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 29, 1923, the daughter of Francis Cheney Roberts and Dorothy (Erskine) Roberts (former owner and editor of the LCN). At a young age she moved to Damariscotta where she attended local elementary schools and Lincoln Academy. Dee graduated from North Yarmouth Academy and New York Hospital School of Radiography. She was employed at New York Hospital and Cornell Medical Center until marrying Raymond Iszard “Jack” McFadden. As an Army wife, Dee traveled and lived throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. She spent many enjoyable summers at her Cottage Point home, “Water’s Edge”. For several years, Dee has lived in the Augusta-Waterville area and was most recently a communicant of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
Dee is remembered as a highly intelligent woman of considerable talent. A rapid and voracious reader, she often consumed several books in a day. Her incredible knowledge base made Dee an interesting and compelling conversationalist. She made friends easily and enjoyed interacting with all kinds of people. Throughout her life, Dee dedicated time to volunteer work. She had a special fondness for children and took great pleasure in volunteering at Mt. St. Joseph’s child care center. Her many interests included bridge, artistic endeavors, history, travel, cooking, and spending time with her family. Dee was known for her elaborate parties with their many creative touches. An accomplished seamstress, she constructed lovely ballet and skating outfits and wonderful costumes. Once, for a formal event, she fashioned herself a ball gown from teal brocade drapes, in the spirit of Gone With the Wind.
Dee is survived by her three children: daughter, Mary Ellen “Midge” and husband James Kelley of Dover, N.H.; son, William Raymond McFadden and wife Shirley of Prince Edward Island, Canada; and, daughter, Barbara Anne and husband Richard Dodge of Hollywood, Fla.; sister, Katharine Roberts of New York City, N.Y., and brother Samuel Erskine Roberts and wife Abbie of Damariscotta and Isle of Palms, S.C.; 14 grandchildren, Heather (Kelley) Belson of North Andover, Mass.; Scott Kelley of Boston, Mass.; Corin, Jesse, Eli (Smyth), Will, Elizabeth, Bryde (MacLean), Ferne, Sarah, Rose and Shannon McFadden, all from PEI, Canada, Kelley (Dodge) Shomaker of North Miami Beach, Fla., and Nathan Dodge of Hollywood, Fla.; seven great-grandchildren, three nieces, and one nephew. Dee is also survived by her former husband, Jack McFadden, with whom she has stayed in touch.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. St. Joseph A.C. Project, 7 Highwood St., Waterville, ME 04901.
Graveside service 1 p.m., Sat., Dec. 6 at Hillside Cemetery, Damariscotta.
Arrangements are under the care of Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Damariscotta.
