Dorothy E. Keith, 82 of Derry, NH died on Monday January 21, 2008 in Derry. Mrs. Keith was born in Manchester, NH on September 9, 1925 the daughter of the late Harold and Dorothy (Anderson) Boyce. She lived most of her adult life in Derry after moving from Londonderry. She was a graduate of Pinkerton Academy in Derry Class of 1943. Mrs. Keith was employed as a Nurse’s Aide for Alexander Eastman Hospital in Derry for three years. She later worked as a school nurse at the Calvary Christian School for 12 years, retiring in 1986. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Derry where she served as Deaconess, Sunday School Teacher and Vacation Bible School teacher. She held memberships in the Daughters of Ruth, the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was a former Brownie leader for several years. Mrs. Keith’s ancestors were among the founding families of Londonderry. In addition, she was a foster parent to 21 children from 1941 to 1969.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Arnold E. Keith of Derry, one son, James A. Keith of Long Eddy, NY, two daughters, Ellen D. Peters and her husband John of Salem, NH, Kathleen Haigh-Troddan and her husband Liam of Phillips, ME, seven grandchildren, Matthew J. Peters, Daniel C. Peters, Kate Haigh Decarlo, Peter F. Haigh, Jr., Patricia J. Haigh, Heidi L. Haigh and Allen J. Haigh, also three great-grandchildren, Anna S. Decarlo, Peter D. Decarlo and Audrey F. Costello. She was predeceased by her brother, Ret. Major, David C. Boyce.
A funeral service was held on Saturday January 26, 2008 at 10:00am in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry, with calling on Saturday from 9:30 – 10:00am prior to the funeral. Burial followed in Forest Hill Cemetery, E. Derry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Abiding Memorial Fund, C/O First Baptist Church, 2 Crystal Ave., Derry, NH 03038 or to the Ararat Armenian Congregational Church, 2 Cross St., Salem, NH 03079.