Folsom Funeral Service

Cotter, Dorothy O.

Dorothy Olive (Wambolt) Cotter, a longtime resident of Norwood, died Sunday, December 30, 2018 at the Norwood Hospital in Norwood.  She was 89.  Dorothy was born January 14, 1929 in Dedham, Massachusetts, a daughter of Robert L. and Olive L. (Hudson) Wambolt, immigrants from Nova Scotia, Canada.  She grew up in Franklin, Massachusetts and graduated from Franklin High School. she began working at a young age to assist in the war effort. Dorothy worked as the executive secretary to the Vice President of Sigma Instruments in Braintree and later for Kelly Girls, retiring in her mid 60’s after a thirty year career.   She really enjoyed playing golf with her family, and in the Women’s League at the Lost Brook Golf Course.  She especially enjoyed walking the beach at World’s End in Hingham where she lived for 21 years tending her gardens and watching the birds.  Dorothy loved to travel and did so extensively, both in the United States and abroad.  She was also a member of Norwood’s Wacky Women Wanderers.  She was an avid reader and belonged to a book club at the United Church of Norwood and another at Norwood Crossing.  It would be an understatement to say that Dorothy was an active member of the United Church of Norwood where she served on the Diaconate, helped out with the yearly church fair, and volunteered at the Open Door on Wednesday evenings at the church.  She was very socially active with her family and a large circle of friends.  Dorothy was the wife of the late William L. Cotter Sr, who predeceased her in 2009.  She was the stepmother of William L. Cotter Jr. of Peabody, Alan C. Cotter of San Francisco, CA, Christine M. “Tina” Moran of Stoughton, Patricia A. “Trisha” Powers of Newfane, VT, and Debra J. Blanchard of Littleton, CO; the sister of Donald Wambolt of Long Beach, MS, Joan Cushing of Marion, and predeceased by siblings Kenneth Wambolt, Ralph Wambolt,  Doris Hunt, Barbara Derenzo, Harold Wambolt, and Shirley Cannata. She is further survived by 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  Visiting hours will be held Friday, January 4th from 4 to 8 pm at the Folsom & May Funeral Home, 85 Nichols Street, Norwood.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Saturday at 10 am at the United Church of Norwood, 595 Washington Street, Norwood followed by interment in Highland Cemetery in Norwood.  In lieu of flowers donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Guestbook Entries

  1. January 2nd, 2019 | 9:32 am

    My Aunt Dot was the Greatest Aunt in the World, a second Mom, Best Friend, Mentor, Role model and Christian. She had boundless energy and was our Rock! She shared her knowledge and wisdom with her family and friends; loved everyone unconditionally; She lived life and taught us to be thankful for every day; I will miss her dearly especially our daily phone calls and “I love you”. I am filled with her Love and Blessed to have had her.
    Miss you & Love you Aunt Dot,
    Until we meet again,
    Linda XO

  2. January 2nd, 2019 | 2:52 pm

    Our deepest sympathy to all of Dorothy’s family.

  3. Leo Souza
    January 3rd, 2019 | 1:33 am

    Dottie was the type to light up a room whenever she walked in. I’ve known Dottie for close to 8 years from the United Church of Norwood where I am a member of. She was such a nice, caring, and smart lady who loved life to the fullest, traveling to Ogunquit ME, out to eat, being with friends, and serving UCN faithfully.
    I volunteered with her faithfully each Wednesday for many years at The Open Door Ministry through UCN where we served hot meals to those in need. She loved working with us. She’d find a way to crack a joke, or tell me what she did during her day. Near the end of the Open Door service she would volunteer to do the dishes, and always wear these pink gloves which we all thought were adorable, and they were signature to us who work at the ministry.
    We will miss those times…
    She loved hearing about people and their passions, the fact that I am able to speak 5 languages, she thought was incredible, and would say that it’s a gift from God. She would talk about German and how she learned it in school, and how she thought it was so fascinating that I am planning to go to China and France in the upcoming academic year.
    She was one of the nicest people I know, and will surely be missed
    I was honored to know Dottie for the time I did, and she was a friend to us that will be missed.
    Rest In Peace Dottie…
    Leo Souza ❤️

  4. Dolores Sheehan
    January 3rd, 2019 | 6:08 am

    Dot was a great friend and travel companion to myself and all our Wacky Women Wanderers. I am so sorry for her loss, we will all miss her. Dot was truly a very generous person, always helpful and very giving. We are all blessed for knowing and traveling with her all these years.

    Dolores Sheehan and all Dot’s friends in travel.

  5. January 3rd, 2019 | 4:33 pm

    I will miss you so much Aunt Dot. My Dad’s oldest Sister: the wise one. She has left me with so many wonderful memories that I will cherish forever.

  6. Gwenn Wambolt Pebles
    January 7th, 2019 | 4:43 pm

    Aunt Dot, You will be missed by many. Your time here was long but went by fast and you lived life well. I cherish memories of Birchwood Drive on Christmas Eve and other holidays. You have seen our Lord and Savior, JESUS! Until we meet again. Love you, miss you. xoxoxoxo

  7. Mary Hoand
    January 20th, 2019 | 12:30 am

    Dear Aunt Dot:
    We’ve only met a few times, but I feel like I’ve known you all my life! Your niece Linda, has told me stories about your escapades and your love of life and your Church! I feel blessed to have known your both.
    I would love to hear more about your travels and the wisdom you can teach us!
    Until we meet again!
    Mary Holland

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Folsom Funeral Service

Folsom Funeral Service