Dorothy Ann Beckner

Dorothy Ann (Bushway) Beckner, 90, of Princeton, Mass., passed away peacefully on November 27. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she will be missed by all who knew her.

Born September 4, 1935, in South Newbury, New Hampshire, Dorothy was the youngest child of Leon and Bernice (Russell) Bushway and sister to Christina (Therian) Brooks, Harold Therian, Raymond Therian, Kenneth Bushway, Helen “Dolly” (Bushway) Matson, and Jane (Bushway) Willis.

Dorothy lived a very active and full life, and she took great pride in all she did – as a daughter, homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, caregiver, Christian, or volunteer.

Dorothy married George Beckner on September 12, 1953, and lived first in New Hampshire before moving into the house they built in Princeton, Mass. She was extremely thoughtful and selfless – especially when it came to her family. When family members needed care or a ride to school, appointments, or practices, she never hesitated to be there for them. Dorothy will always be remembered for her fierce devotion to her family and for putting the needs of others first. Outside of the home, she was a dedicated volunteer for schools, the church, and civic duties. Dorothy appreciated the opportunities she had to travel, which included the many road trips she and George took across the United States and into Canada, as well as trips to Puerto Rico and to Budapest.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Summit ElderCare in Leominster and the team of caregivers she had at home for their kindness, compassion, and care.

Dorothy is survived by her sons Russell (Sharlene), Timothy (Cindy), Alan (Christine), Kenneth, and Theodore (Lorine), as well as 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and her siblings.

A private service will be held at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home in Winchendon, MA, with burial at Flat Rock Road Cemetery in Petersham, MA.

The Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA, has been entrusted with Dorothy's funeral arrangements.