Dorothy E. Forrest
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Dorothy Elaine Forrest, 72, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2022, after a valiant battle with breast cancer.
Dot was born in Waterville, Maine on January 25, 1950, to Francis and Verna Gagnon. She moved to Pittsfield in 1967 from Portland, Maine and graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1968, later receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from Boston State College in 1973. She dedicated thirty-three years to preserving and reuniting families with the Berkshire County office of the Department of Children and Families.
A longtime member of the Springside Greenhouse Group, Dot loved her plants so much she became a Master Gardener in retirement, as well as volunteering at Habitat for Humanity, and taking care of her grandchildren. She loved music and to travel, spending lots of time in her home state of Maine, visiting her children and grandchildren, and traveling internationally. Her love of food and cooking influenced her travels.
Dot is survived by her children, Kathleen, Allison, and John-Michael, their father John P. Forrest, and her grandchildren Justin, Carter, Jack, Shyanne, and Takki, as well as her brother F. Scott Gagnon and her sister Barbara Gagnon DiPietro. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Carol, and brother Eric.
The center of the family, Mom called it like she saw it and didn't put up with any nonsense. She found joy in taking care of her family, and her presence and generosity will be deeply missed.
Funeral Notice:
Calling hours for Dorothy will be Thursday, February 10, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 pm at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. Due to the recent rise in Covid cases, to best ensure everybody's health, all who attend are required to wear face masks. A Celebration of Dot's Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Springside Greenhouse Group, the Western Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association, or the Elizabeth Freeman Center, in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home. Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrances.