Dorothy O’Neil came to Decatur House from her native Dedham, where she married and raised a family of six, including five daughters and a son. Donald, her husband of 68 years, passed away in 2019.
Dottie’s pixie-like demeanor, the mischievous twinkle in her eye and her playful sense of humor have endeared her to fellow residents and staff alike.
“She loves a good joke!” her daughter, Doreen, said.
Not surprisingly, one of Dottie’s favorite holidays is April Fool’s Day, when she loves to pull pranks on friends and family members.
But there is one area of Dot’s life that she takes very seriously.
“She is pretty much all about family,” Doreen, said. “We always had Sunday dinner together as a family and celebrated every holiday together.”
Those dinners often featured Dot’s homemade raviolis, the family’s favorite. The dish paid homage to her father, who emigrated to our country from Italy.
Dottie was also “very crafty” according to Doreen.
“She loved to decorate, she did upholstery and ceramics, painting, antiquing, she made clothes and knitted,” Doreen said. “I was the best-dressed girl in high school!”
Dot is still stylish and well-groomed — her lipstick always meticulously applied, her nails beautifully shaped and polished, thanks to weekly manicures by daughters Diane and Doreen.
“Yes, even though I’ve never had a professional manicure myself,” Doreen said, with a little laugh.
Dottie spent most of her life in Dedham, but enjoyed family vacations and several trips to Europe, where she visited Ireland and her father’s native Italy.
Dot enjoys participating in activities, attending musical events, and socializing with her fellow residents.
Those residents are advised to remain alert, however. April 1st is just around the corner, and rumor has it that Dottie is already planning some pranks.
