Dorothy “Dottie” Lamson Whittier, 68, of Biddeford, ME, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Dottie was born in Malden, MA to Fred “Bud” Lamson and Margaret Rouillard Lamson and grew up in Melrose, where she graduated from Melrose High School in 1976. Dottie was the fourth of seven children and one of five sisters, growing up in a close-knit family that remained deeply important to her throughout her life.

After earning her Bachelor’s degree from Salem State, Dottie spent much of her career as co-owner of Lamson & Davis Hardware in Malden, where she built lasting friendships and became known for her kindness, dedication, and welcoming spirit.

An avid Boston sports fan, Dottie loved attending Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots games with friends and family. Even more meaningful to her were the countless games, practices, and moments she shared supporting her two sons while they were growing up.

Dottie was deeply loved by her friends and family and was known for her compassionate heart and genuine empathy for others, especially those facing hardship. She volunteered for many years with Mission of Deeds in Reading, MA, and served for twenty years on the Board of the Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation, helping support the Malden community through grants and scholarships.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures — reading fiction and mystery novels, completing puzzles with family, attending concerts, and golfing. After moving to Biddeford in 2019, Dottie became a member of Dutch Elm Golf Course, where she quickly formed cherished friendships and discovered a new passion for the game.

Dottie was pre-deceased by her parents, Margaret and Bud Lamson, as well as her beloved dog, Emma, who brought her many years of companionship and comfort.

She is lovingly survived by her husband of 42 years, Larry; her son Andrew Whittier, his wife Kassidy, and their children — Dottie’s treasured grandchildren — Scarlett and Barrett; her son Daniel Whittier and his wife Andrea Cristina Ruiz; and her six siblings, Steve, Janis, Sandie, Diane, Carrie, and Mike, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss her deeply.

The family would like to thank Dr. Small and the team at Southern Maine Oncology, as well as her nurse Kim from Andwell Hospice. They would also like to make special thanks to Dottie’s sister Carrie, who accompanied her throughout her illness and during her final moments.

In accordance with Dottie’s wishes, her ashes will be spread in nature together with those of her dog Emma.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the coming months in lieu of a wake and funeral service. Those wishing to receive updates may email dtwhittier@gmail.com.

In honor of Dottie’s generous spirit, donations may be made to causes that were close to her heart, including The Dempsey Center, Mission of Deeds, and World Central Kitchen.