Dorothy O'Hara

Born in Boston, 1927, died peacefully at her daughter's home in Texas on August 17th surrounded by family. She is survived by her two children: Kathleen Mary O'Hara and Ruth Ann Sims. Her grandsons, Seth, Gaelan (Holly), and Sage Bellamy; and granddaughter, Meghan Sims Goldfarb (Jason). She has four grandchildren and one great-grandchild - Ari Goldfarb. She is preceded in death by William O'Hara whom she married on May 5th 1950 and became widowed a mere six years later. Never to remarry, she worked and raised her children in Readville, Massachusetts, later taking care of her parents as well. The loss of her daughter Susan a few years later at the age of 14 was an unimaginable heartbreak, but, through all of this, the close proximity and ties to her deceased husband's family and some very close friends provided a colorful and supportive backdrop as time passed on. Known as "Aunt Dot" to a multitude of nieces and nephews, and as "Mana" to her grandchildren, she took on a matriarchal role in the greater O'Hara family. This legacy would not be complete without acknowledging the O'Haras both living and passed who are missing her, and those who she now enjoys the company of once again. Throughout life and well into retirement she loved hiking, walking, and especially swimming which she kept up through her 86th year. Feeding those dear to her was another joy, as anyone who has received a care package that originated in her kitchen can attest. As she grew older her favorite past time of knitting seemed to increase with equal vigor. Many heads, both friends and family, have been warmed by her Irish yarn hats. More recently she knit and donated caps to the neonatal unit to conserve the precious heat of those just starting life's journey. Professionally, she rose from a mere messenger girl for the Pen Central Railroad to that of an executive secretary for Amtrak over a 30 year career culminating at South Station Boston, one of the largest transportation hubs in New England. Upon her retirement tears were shed as the end of an era was realized, and the personal touches beyond her job description were lost to a politically correct world. Hard work, diligence, and a giving spirit marked her life, and that example shines for those that knew and loved her. Memorial services in Boston will be announced to family and friends in the near future.