NATICK: Dorothy H. (Curtis) Flaherty, age 88, a lifelong resident of Natick, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones Wednesday, July 20, 2016. She was the beloved wife of Patrick Francis Flaherty who died in 1995.
Born on Summer Street in Natick, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Alice B. Curtis. She was a 1945 graduate of the Natick Public Schools and continued her education at the Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing. Awarded an RN, Dorothy was employed at Mass General and Mass Eye and Ear for several years.
The Flahertys were married in 1952 and settled in East Natick where Dorothy put her heart and energy into creating a warm and nurturing environment for her growing family. Though mostly at home, she would pick up per diem work from time to time at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and at one point had enjoyed a stint as a “lunch lady” in Weston. She and Patrick were determined travelers, and after his retirement visited much of the United States as well as a vast number of other countries. Dorothy continued to travel after her husband’s death in 1995, usually accompanied by her son, Brian. In her later years she was very happily involved with the Natick Senior Center, joining various day trips, playing Bingo, and making the occasional jaunt to a casino.
Predeceased by her daughter Sheila in 1994 and son Patrick, Jr. in 2010, she is survived by two sons Kevin and his wife Debbie of Natick, with whom she had made her home for the past three years, and Brian of Everett, WA; and two much loved grandchildren, Shannon Flaherty and Dennis Bremner, both of Natick. She was also the sister of the late Wilbur Curtis.
Services will be private. Donations may be made in her memory to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, 90 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459. Arrangements are with John Everett & Sons, 4 Park Street at Natick Common.