Dorothy (Riley) Tufts

Dorothy “Dottie” (Riley) Tufts of Mountain View community in Ossipee passed away on Tuesday, September 8th, 2020 after a life lived in positivity and love for her 88 years. 

She was born September 4th, 1932 in Providence, RI, the daughter of Edward and Gladys (Hunt) Riley. She married the love of her life, Lawrence Tufts, in 1955 and frequently told the story about how they met at a VFW dance, but then Larry waited four years (“for her to grow up”) to ask her out. The couple settled in Easton, MA where they raised four boys, Lawrence Jr., Kevin, Mark and Daniel Tufts.

After spending many summers with their sons on Pine River Pond in East Wakefield, Dorothy and Lawrence moved from MA to NH, where they lived the rest of their lives.

Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, whose purpose centered around her family and friends, church, and her career in nursing. 

Everyone who knew Dorothy appreciated her strong will, sense of humor and wit, and ability to find the good even in the face of hard times. She was truly a vibrant human being with a deep religious faith and caring soul.  

For the last nine years of her life, Dorothy lived at Mountain View Community in Ossipee. She was the life of the community, taking an active role in Resident Council, Bingo, craft fairs and more. She enjoyed conversing with the caring staff and nurses, and visits and outings with her family. 

She is survived by her two sons, Kevin Tufts of Wolfeboro and Mark Tufts and his wife Charlene of North Attleboro, MA, her grandchildren Andrea (Tufts) Eaton and her husband Ricky Eaton, Myles Tufts, Ian Tufts, Steven Tufts and his partner Zoe Spiller, Brittany Tufts, Alex Tufts and Luke Tufts, her great-grandchildren Tucker, Samuel and Vivian Eaton, and Everett and Teagan Tufts. She also leaves her sister-in-law Barbara Riley of Easton, MA, brother-in-law John Tufts and his wife Eleanor of Bridgewater, MA, a number of nieces and nephews, dear friends Norman and Jane Burgess and her “wing mates” at Mountain View Community.  She was predeceased by her husband, sons Lawrence Jr. and Daniel, and brothers, Albert, John (“Jack”) and James. 

In keeping with COVID-19 guidance, an outdoor graveside service will be held with family at All Saints Church on Saturday, October 17th. 

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