LACONIA ---- After a long and very interesting life, Dorothy “Dottie” Irwin Touart, passed on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the age of 101, in her cherished home.
Dottie was born on November 25, 1922, in Laconia, the daughter of James Irwin Sr. and Ella (Henry) Irwin.
She was loved by her family, dear friends and many piano students who had her as their teacher. She was full of love, laughter with interesting stories of the many years living in various places in the US and countries, including France, Cambodia and Congo, as the wife of the US Defense/Military Attaché.
Outside of her love for Scottish dancing, she was active for many years with the NH Music Festival. In her earlier years, she was involved with her father’s business, Irwin Marine on Lake Winnipesaukee, along with Irwin Gardens, the famous big band ballroom at the Weirs. After graduating from UNH, she went on to become an airline hostess for TWA. In 1940, thousands of locals turned out to witness Dottie's christening of the M/S Mount Washington ship’s launching at the Irwin pier in Lakeport, NH. Many years later she was given the honor to rechristened that ship on its 50th anniversary launching.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Col. Anthony Joseph Jr., along with her father and mother James R. and Ella Irwin, her sister Eleanor Adams, three Irwin brothers, James, Robert and John “Jack.” She is survived by her son Anthony Joseph Touart III, her daughter Sarah Touart Nelson, son-in-law Peter Nelson and grandson Trevor Touart Nelson, along with his wife Zoe Nelson.
There will be no calling hours.
On July 11, 2024, there will be a private burial.
To commemorate Dottie’s many years, there will be a Celebration of Life gathering, which will be open to all, on Thursday, July 11, 2024, between 12:00pm-3:00pm, at the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH. The family invites all who knew her to join in remembering a truly remarkable woman.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.