BATH – On March 31, 2017 Harriet Elizabeth Dotton died peacefully with her daughter Marilyn by her side.  She is survived by her son Dr. Frederick C. Dotton and his wife Zura of Tucson, AZ, daughter Marilyn I. Mesplay of Bath, grandchildren Julie, Todd (wife Jo Anne and son Hunter), Sarah (husband Adam), Emily (husband Daniel and son Augustus) and Duane, as well as former daughter-in-law Jean (Dotton) Hill and nieces and nephews.

She was born April 21, 1920, the daughter to Earl and Mildred McCrater.  Her siblings were Herman, William “Bill”, and Bernice.

She was married to Clarence Dotton for 60 years.  Being a housewife and stay-at-home mother to Frederick and Marilyn were roles that were equally important to her and she found joy in both.  She loved being a grandmother to Bret, Julie and Todd Mesplay and Sarah, Emily and Duane Dotton.  She was “tickled” when her great-children Hunter and Augustus “Gus” were born.

In addition to the joy her family brought her she filled her life with many interests.  She taught herself how to play the harmonica, enjoyed outside gardening (especially rose bushes), had a green thumb for indoor plants as well and for years collected elephants.  She belonged to “The Chattabout Club” and learned how to do embroidery, knit and crochet.  She enjoyed golf and bowling.  She was happy doing needlework, reading, word searches, and playing various card games. 

After her husband’s passing, she lived with her daughter and they spent a great deal of time doing jigsaw puzzles and playing Skip-bo, as well as watching the Red Sox a “love” they shared with her son.  She was thrilled when the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, as well as in 2007 and 2013.  She looked forward to the frequent phone calls from Frederick and finding out how he and his family was doing.  No matter how many times she had watched the episodes she looked forward to Saturday evenings when Lawrence Welk was on.    

She was famous for the mittens and afghans she made and later starting knitting dogs.  She spent many days and nights trying to keep up with the demand.

She took pride in learning how to drive after her children were grown and even made the paper with the title “Quick Thinking Woman Avoids Accident!”

A few months ago she went to Hill House and when family was visiting she would ask what Hunter was doing and how Marilyn’s dog Rusty and Julie’s dog Tasha were.  They were very important to her.  She enjoyed Kenny, one of the resident cats, visiting her each day. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Hill House for the wonderful care she received and allowing her to have all the bowls of oatmeal, brown sugar and warm milk she wanted!  Also thanks to Dr. David Hill for the many years of care and Wilson’s Drug Store for always being so accommodating.