Dorothy Marie Bruce
March 25, 2023
TOPSFIELD-Dorothy Marie Bruce, 103, passed away on March 25, 2023. Born Dorothy Marie Menard in Springfield, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Arthur J. Menard from Isle LaMotte, Vermont and Ida Razeau from Quebec, Canada.
Raised in Rutland, Vermont, Dorothy studied French and Spanish at Middlebury College where she graduated in 1942 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French. Following her marriage to Philip Bruce in 1943, Dorothy taught French and Spanish in Mobile Alabama and Massapequa, Long Island, New York.
A long-time resident of Topsfield, Dorothy was a substitute teacher for Masconomet Jr. and Sr. High Schools while raising her two daughters, Judie and Janine. Later in life Dorothy’s persistent drive to learn brought her to start her own business and build it into a thriving endeavor, even running two websites well into her eighties and the business until she was 100.
Predeceased by her husband in 1986, Dorothy leaves her daughters Judie and husband John Nevius of Hinesburg, Vermont and Janine and husband David Banks of Grand Isle, Vermont. Her grandchildren include Jeffrey Nevius, Michael Nevius, Susan McIntosh and Katherine Lee. She has six great grandchildren.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30AM on Monday, April 3, 2023 in Saint Rose of Lima Church, 12 Park St., Topsfield. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Middlebury College at https://engage.middlebury.edu/give. Online directions and condolences are available at www.LyonsFuneral.com
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The Jo and Lucille Anderson family send their condolences to Judie and Janine and their families. “Dottie”, as we knew her, was a long-time friend of our parents and a stable presence in our lives as children and adults. She was with us during the last days of Lucille’s life and her stories of their adventures over the years have been a pleasure to hear.
We remember with fondness the wonderful meals and pecan rolls that Dottie would bring us. if Dottie made it, it was sure to be delicious.
We watched with admiration as Dottie continued to learn new things and start businesses late into her life. She was truly a remarkable woman.
Godspeed Dorothy.
The Jo and Lucille Anderson family send heartfelt condolences to Janine and Judie and their families. “Dottie”, as we knew here, was a presence during our growing up and adult years. She and Phil were close friends with our parents and shared many adventures throughout the years.
Dottie was with us in the days leading up to my Mother’s death and stayed in touch with us as the years have gone by.
There was never anything that Dottie cooked and brought to us that wasn’t a special treat. In particular, we cherished her homemade pecan roles that were scrumptious.
We admired Dottie’s quest to always be learning new things. She was always engaged with meaningful projects.
Godspeed Dorothy.
I am a member of the Jo and Lucille Anderson Family, and want to share another memory. In 1964, all of us except David who wasn’t born until months later, drove to Massapequa, Long Island, New York to stay with Dottie and Phil and the family while we went to the New York World’s Fair in Queens. They both were so wonderful and welcoming to all of us. We loved the World’s Fair and loved staying with the Bruce Family!
They used to visit us in Rochester, NH, too, which pleased Mom and Dad so much. Most of all I remember Dottie’s hearty laugh!
Mary Beth Anderson Goldblatt