Dorothy Ann Melzard, 79, of Milton MA, died Monday, November 30, 2020, after a 14-year battle with Alzheimer’s, at Hillsborough County Nursing Home, Goffstown, NH. She was born August 7, 1941, daughter of Douglas and Lillian (Jordan) Melzard, and spent her youth in Swampscott, MA
Dorothy was committed to a lifetime of service:
In the beginning part of her life, she obtained a nursing degree where she worked as a labor and delivery nurse and visiting nurse in the Lawrence Community. She went on to become a social worker for the Division Youth and Families in Nashua and later made her mark at Health and Human Services State offices in Concord, as she developed an independent living program for youth. Upon retiring, Dorothy worked as a Crisis social worker for Parkland Medical Center comforting many families through loss as well as guidance in placement. Before becoming a nurse, Dorothy traveled to England to spend time with her sister Lois. It is there she would continue her love for horses, showing, winning many ribbons. Dorothy shared many fond memories with her family.
Dorothy was known for her sense of humor, comical antics and during Halloween was famous for her nun costume. If one were to call the house, you would be greeted by a message, “James here. The madam is not at home at the moment. Leave a message” in an English accent. On the birthdays of her grandchildren, she would call and sing, “Happy Birthday”. At any time in her life, she could be seen building stalls or doors or roofs, all the while riding around on her 4-wheeler to see what else may need her attention. She had a strong desire to help a person in need, often opening her home to family friends, and children in crisis. This desire was an example to her children who followed closely in her footsteps. When living in Windham, she had many hobbies such as winemaking, macrame, horseback riding, gardening, and canning. In the fall picking the grapes while riding horseback for yummy jams. Dorothy moved to Chester NH, in August of 1984. She brought with her, her love for animals and her ability to be a handywoman. Stopping by the “Crazy Farm” as the farm had been dubbed, the house had become yet again a place for someone to come for a laugh, support, or something to eat, never knowing what exciting event would take place while visiting. When arriving one would often be greeted by donkeys, horses, dogs, and a snarky rooster or goose. Dorothy loved her family, especially her daughters. She spent a lifetime enjoying summer vacations at the cape with her high school friends and their families. She maintained close contact with them, their whole lives. Darryl Beliveau and her sister Nancy Lee McDonough took many road trips to the beach, traveling around New England, attending Halloween parties, and watching each new episode of, “The Golden Girls”.
She is survived by two daughters, Heidi Hines and husband Stephen of Chester, NH, Heather Britton-Doucette and wife Kimberley Britton of New Boston, NH; five Grandchildren, Kylie, Jakob, Kasey, Nicholas, Kayla (her husband Andrew Pomerleau), Great Grandchildren, Benjamin and Hannah; brother, Douglas Melzard and his wife Sherry, of Clerment Florida; two sisters, Lois Day and her husband Robert of Castleton, VT and Ruth Stewart of Georgetown, MA; several nieces and nephews. and her former husband, E. Richard Doucette of Jensen Beach, FL.
Following cremation, calling hours will be held on Thursday September 9, 2021 from 5 - 6:30 pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry, NH. A celebration of her life will follow at 6:30 pm in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.org in lieu of flowers.