TEWKSBURY: Barbara M. (Cronin) Dotson, age 69, a resident of Tewksbury for 36 years passed away at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, after her year long battle with an aggressive cancer.
Barbara’s generosity, compassion, and kindness was felt by many. Those who were lucky to have known Barbara think of her fondly as strong, warm-hearted, and always smiling. She would greet people with open arms and a cup of tea (or very full glass of wine).
She was the beloved wife of Kim W. Dotson, with whom she celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary on May 20, 2022, and beloved mother to Kerri E. Dotson, of Washington, DC, and Heidi S. Dotson-Sousa and her husband Robert, of Salem MA and was considered a second mother by many.
Born in Bath, New Brunswick, Canada on January 27, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Daniel J. Cronin and the late Gaynell A. (Campbell) Cronin. Barbara was raised in Bath until the age of 12. In 1965, she and her family moved to the Brighton area of Boston where she attended and later graduated from St Columbkille Parochial High School.
Following high school she entered the University of Massachusetts-Boston and received her B.S. degree from Northeastern University and her M.B.A. from New England College in Henniker, NH. Barbara spent much of her career as a member of the St Joseph’s Hospital community in Nashua NH where she served as Director of Risk Management for many years.
Barbara was sister to Thomas M. Cronin and his late wife Cheryl, of Winthrop, John C.J. Cronin and his partner Claudia, of San Cristobal, Mexico, Anne E. Cronin and her late husband Tony Pizzoferrato of West Hartford, CT, and the late Robert D. Cronin and his surviving wife Cathy of Devens, MA. Barbara was a loved Aunt to many nieces and nephews.
She enjoyed gardening, yoga and skiing the White Mountains in New Hampshire, having met her husband through the Wedeln Ski Club in North Conway. She was an avid reader and loved a good meal shared with good friends. Known as wonderful host (although always running a bit late) Barbara made sure the Dotson home was known to be a gathering place full of love and laughter.
Family and friends will be received Saturday, February 4th, from 1-3 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury, immediately followed by her memorial service to be held at the funeral home. The family invites Barbara’s loved ones to join them at the Dotson residence Saturday evening following the service and on Sunday February 5th, from 1pm - 5pm to celebrate Barbara’s life with them.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Kaplan Family Hospice House Care Dimensions, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923 or online Donate Here
Sophia Gordon Cancer Center at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805 or online Donate Here