Dorothy Wells Howell, 90, of Whitefield, best known as “Dot,” passed away peacefully on Nov. 13 surrounded by her loving family. Her final weeks personified her life, spending it amidst love, family and friends.
Dot was born in Randolph, Mass. on Aug. 22, 1925, the youngest daughter of Marian W. and Arthur J. Schoenfuss.
Dot graduated from the Chaffee School in Windsor, Conn. in 1943. In 1947, she graduated from Wellesley College in Wellesley, Mass., where she majored in mathematics. Dot was a member of Sigma Xi, a National Honorary Scientific Society. She loved Wellesley College very much and was part of the crew team there. She returned regularly to attend her reunions.
Following her graduation from Wellesley College, Dot worked for six years at United Aircraft Corporation in East Hartford, Conn. as an Engineering Aide and Mathematician in support of the WWII recovery effort. She moved to Maine in 1953 with husband, Jay, to become poultry farmers, starting the Feather and Fleece Farm. Over the years, Dot volunteered for the Whitefield Fire Department, the PTA and other local activities.
She worked for the Census Bureau, Department of Commerce for 36 years, starting in 1975 as a field representative and then advancing to a supervisory capacity. With this work, she travelled the state of Maine and made many friends along the way. She enjoyed her census work very much. She retired in 2011 at the age of 85.
Dot always loved mail. She was a daily letter writer and eagerly looked forward to the mail carrier’s car coming down the road. The amazing number of cards she received for her birthday and most recently at the hospital reflects the number of friends she corresponded with. She spent her 90th birthday with 120 of her friends and family gathered to honor her on a beautiful August day this year.
Her proudest accomplishment was being a mother of five, grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of three.
Dot was predeceased by her husband, Julian F. Howell (Jay) of 59 years.
She is survived by her children, Wendy Stanley of Portland, Heidi Gotlib and husband David of South Dartmouth, Mass., Jef Howell and wife Cathi of New Harbor, Dick Howell and wife Shari of Whitefield, and Dolly Burns and husband Dan of Whitefield; grandchildren, Jon and Jesse Gotlib and fiancée Bryna Brooks, Caryn and Laura Howell, Josh Howell and wife Hurley, Ashley Burdick and husband Alex, and Nathan and Hannah Burns; great-grandchildren, Graham Howell, and Austin and Corbin Burdick; brother, Arthur Schoenfuss and wife Kay of Naples, Fla.; and sister, Lee Smith of Edgecomb.
Visiting hours will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Fri., Nov. 20 at Staples Funeral Home in Gardiner. Following a family graveside service on Sat., Nov. 21, all of Dot’s friends are welcome to a reception to celebrate her life at Sheepscot General Store from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Those wishing to continue the spirit of Dot’s generosity may make a donation to the Whitefield First Responders, P.O. Box 58, Whitefield, ME 04353.
