Dorothy E. (McAvoy) Costello – 102, of Reading and formerly of North Reading, died at her daughter’s home in Pelham, NH on Monday, January 25, 2021. She was the beloved wife of the late James Costello.
Born in Cambridge, MA on February 26, 1918. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Carolyn (Kidney) McAvoy. She was a graduate of Cambridge High School.
Dorothy worked at Instrumentation Laboratories for 25 years as an office manager. She later worked as a baker for 10 years for the North Reading Public Schools.
She was a former resident of Reading for 30 years. She was a member of St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading and an active member of the North Reading Senior Center, where she taught an exercise program there when she was in her eighties. She was an avid baker and continued to present us with treats well into her nineties.
Dorothy was tiny but very strong. She lived alone and took care of herself until she was 101 years old. Her strong faith in God shone in all she was, a caring loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend to all who knew her.
Family members include her loving daughter, Carolyn Pierce and her husband Donald; grandchildren, Ian McMahon, Joshua McMahon and Lanna Pierce; great grandchildren, Elyse and David McMahon; late sisters, Helen Harris, Mary Hamlin, Veronica Barrett and Margaret Hatten.
Her funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Saturday, January 30 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St. (Rt. 62), North Reading. Visitation on Friday, January 29 from 5 to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
So sorry for your loss
She is now resting in peace
Grateful to have met this fine lady. Rest peacefully.
She was a great blessing in my life. Her love of family and friends was so obvious. You will be missed by all of us.
Dottie was a blessing in my life. Her faith was strong, she loved her family very much and she loved the Lord. She loved to say the rosary and read daily scripture and she loved to receive the Holy Eucharist. She was a great example to me of enduring love of family and faith. I will miss you my friend.
Love, Lisa
Carolyn and family,
She was an amazing woman of her generation. Along with my mom, she exceeded beyond what was expected from a woman in her day and every day after. What a life well lived.
May her memory be a blessing.
Regards,
Deb Picciuto and from heaven Nana Clare.
We won the lottery with our mom’s!!
Dear Carolyn and family,
Our deepest condolences for your loss
We have such wonderful memories of your mother Dottie! She was such a wonderful lifelong friend of my Mother Phyllis’ we were just reminiscing of the days when our moms worked in the lunchroom together. For many years they and a group of other amazing women from NR would stick together and play Cards, Candlepin Bowl, and do the outings with the senior citizens. We have so many group photos that bring back such fun memories! They were always laughing and had a great time together ♥️
We are so grateful to hear she had such a long, beautiful life well lived! She Blessed so many lives!
May your memories bring you peace and comfort