Dorothea "Dottie" Kenyon Obituary (1927 - 2024)

Dorothea (Dottie) Kenyon, 97, of Topsfield, MA passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Springvale, ME on April 22, 2024. She was born March 28,1927, daughter of George and Evelyn Baker. She grew up in Warwick, Rhode Island and upon completion of high school graduated with a secretarial degree from Katherine Gibbs. Dottie married the love of her life, Norris Kenyon, in 1950. For Dottie it was love at first sight; she saw Norrie and told a friend “I’m going to marry him someday.” The rest is history. They had four children whom she stayed home to raise until she returned to the workforce as an Executive Assistant at General Electric for over 25 years. She drove into work every day with Norrie until their joint retirement in 1990. Dottie had many passions throughout her life. She and Norrie traveled extensively upon retirement, spending the summers at their beloved Cape Cod cottage, and the winters in sunny Florida. A favorite trip she frequently reminisced about was the Viking River Cruise they took with friends. She loved being in the kitchen cooking for her family and friends. Her namesake recipe, “Kenyon Dip”, will live on for generations to come. She was a gracious host at gatherings both at Cape Cod and her Topsfield home. We will never forget her trademark nightly martini ritual and her love of “Wheel of Fortune” and other game shows. At the age of 75, she took golf lessons and then began golfing with Norrie and friends. Because of this, she became an avid golf spectator in her later years. She was a lover of dogs, especially Shelties, and she always had a fur companion until retirement. Dottie loved books; she was a speed reader and she had a remarkable memory. She also had a love for Boston sports, and was a fierce competitor playing Rummikub, Bridge and completing puzzles. She was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Topsfield. She was a member of the Topsfield Historical Society, Garden Club and the Senior Walking Group. Dottie had a presence wherever she went. She rarely missed a day of wearing her jewelry and patterned slacks. Above all, her love of the ocean was unmatched. Her heart will forever reside in Mashpee, Massachusetts at her family cottage. Dottie was predeceased by her husband Norrie of 64 years, her son-in-law David Rowden MD, and her grandson Cameron Kenyon. She is survived by her four children, daughter, Terry Kenyon Rowden (Springvale, ME), son Jeffrey Kenyon & wife Allison (Northbridge, MA), son Steven Kenyon DMD & wife Denise (Coventry, RI), and son David Kenyon & wife Sharon (Merrimac, MA); grandchildren Christie Rowden (Springvale, ME), Kimberly & husband Jim DeMaio (Killingworth, CT), Meredith & husband Brandon French (Sanford, ME), Ryan & wife Emma Kenyon (Philadelphia, PA), Jocelyn Kenyon (Boston, MA), Ian & wife Melynda Kenyon (Hollis, ME). She also had seven great-grandchildren whom she thoroughly enjoyed and who kept her young. Dottie touched the lives of so many, and she will forever be missed. A private family graveside service will be held Friday, May 3rd, followed by a Celebration of Life in Salisbury, MA. Dottie was passionate about supporting wounded Veterans. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Dottie’s memory to the Semper Fi & America’s Fund, 825 College Blvd #102, Oceanside, CA 92057.