DOROTHY B. ZlOCK 1928-2018
Dorothy Bernice Benner Zlock passed away peacefully with family at her side on March 27th, 2018 at St. Lukes Hospital in New Bedford, Ma. Dorothy, (Dot to all that knew her) was born on September 21, 1928, one of eight children, to Madeline and Ernest Benner.
Dot loved her children and extended family, golf, and the New England Patriots-and not necessarily in that order. For the record, Dot believed her beloved Tom Brady had absolutely no part in deflating any balls, Belichick, could do no wrong, and Commissioner Goodell was not worthy of being mentioned in polite conversation.
Dot spent 25 years of her retirement with her husband Frank in Tarpon Springs Florida playing golf, bingo, cards, and socializing with her friends and her beloved brother Kelsey Benner. Dot was especially proud that she was golf club champion in her late 70’s, taking home the trophy with reluctant pride after discovering she could not trade it in for a cash prize.
Dot spent her Summers in New England visiting her children in Andover, Ma., West Island, Ma., Haverhill, Ma., Cape Elizabeth, Me., W. Gardiner, Me., and Tenants Harbor, Me. Dot was a treasure to all that knew her. She was a strong, spunky, spirited, proud and meticulous woman. Athletic her whole life, Dot would take on a gaggle of teenage boys to play a game of around the world in basketball, and teach her grandchildren how to swing on a swing set. Dot hit golf balls at the driving range, played catch with great, great nieces and nephews, and quahoged well into her late 80’s.
Dot’s connection to the ocean was strong and she was fortunate to spend her last few years on West Island with her daughter Sharon and son-in-law Mike enjoying the company of three generations of family on a daily basis.
Her husband Frank, her brothers Bobby, Teddy, and Leroy, and her sister Betty predecease Dot. Dot is survived by her five children: Sharon Ristuccia and her husband Michael, Ricky Freeman and his wife Ellen, Robbie Freeman and his wife Lori, CyndiLou Carmichael, and Lisa Carmichael Miele. Dot had 10 grandchildren: Stacey Ristuccia, Michael Ristuccia, Michelle Ristuccia, Kesley Prock, Staci King, Lacie Jones, Gillian Brignac, Hailey Brignac, Madeline Miele, and Eva Miele, and 12 great grandchildren: Zachary, Rob, Sam and Ellie Mayo, Noah and Max Ristuccia, Finley and Parker Mattos, Aubrey and Allie Prock, and Gavin Clark and Lincoln Rush.
In lieu of flowers, spend a little extra time appreciating those that you love.
A memorial service will be held in Maine Friday July 27th .
Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for condolences.