HAVERHILL, MA - Dorothea Luella (Church) Newcomb passed away peacefully on March 4, 2013 at the age of 91. She was the beloved wife of the late Edwin W. Newcomb, loving mother of Deborah Pelletier and her husband Larry of Haverhill, Ellen Mace of Peabody, Lee Newcomb and his wife Nancy of Tilton, NH, and cherished grandmother of Douglas Webber of Peabody and Aaron Mace of Salem. Dorothea was the youngest sister of the late Louise Richuits and Priscilla Bell.
Dorothea was known as “Dolly” to her family, and resided in Salem until she moved to Penacook Place Nursing Facility in Haverhill. Nicknamed Dolly when she was little because she was as cute as a doll, she was photographed by her uncle, a professional photographer, and was featured in a calendar. In her early career Dolly worked at Salem Hospital, Daniel Lowes, and General Electric. She was a member of the Wesley Methodist Church Woman’s Group and participated in church activities by making and selling craft items and working at their bean suppers.
She met her husband Ed in high school, but their romance blossomed after he was discharged from the US Army. He was her “one and only” and they fell in love. They were married by Ed’s older brother, Reverend Arthur Newcomb. Dolly then became a full time homemaker and began a family. She was a talented seamstress making dresses, jumpers, coats, and quilts, and loved to knit, creating many beautifully patterned sweaters, hats and mittens. Dolly loved animals and passed this love on to her children. At different points in time their home was shared with many cats, parakeets, canaries, fish, and turtles. And though their finances were modest, Dolly and Ed made sure there was an abundance of gifts each year under the Christmas tree for their children.
Family life was important to her and there was always a big Sunday dinner. Dolly and Ed would take their children to Salem Willows to enjoy the kiddie rides, the beach, and to feed the pigeons. There were day trips to Pleasure Island, and many Sunday drives and ice creams. She was a beautiful and kind person and loved being surrounded by her family.
A private remembrance gathering to celebrate her life will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank the staff of Penacook Place for the loving and compassionate care Dolly received while she called Penacook her home. Kind donations may be sent to Penacook Place Tree of Dreams, 150 Water Street, Haverhill, MA 01830. For on line guest book, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.