Dorothy Frances (Johnson) Papierski, 82, of Auburn, died Tuesday May 21, 2013 in Dodge Park Rest Home after a brief illness.
Her husband of 51 years, Francis J. Papierski died in 2011.
She is survived by her son, Walter Papierski and his wife Tamara, of Longmont CO; a daughter, Susan Summers and her husband Dan of Lanexa VA; a daughter, Karen Cogswell and her husband Steve of Leicester; and a son, Paul Papierski and his husband Kenneth Lovering of Worcester; and her grandchildren, Matthew, Stephanie, Michael and Thomas Cogswell, and Zachary and Gage Papierski; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Dorothy was predeceased by her son, Peter Papierski in 1985.
She was born in Auburn on March 24, 1931 to Eugene and Inez (Friberg) Johnson. She moved to Worcester as young child, and returned to Auburn to raise her family.
She attended Freeland Street Elementary school and Commerce High School, as well as Worcester State University later in her life.
Dorothy enjoyed bowling, painting, flower gardening, sewing and reading books. She was a former member of the Auburn Women’s Club, New England Lily Society, Linus Project, and Swedish Ancestry Research Association.
She was an outstanding homemaker, while working as a deli clerk at the former Iandolis and Shaw’s supermarkets for a number of years. When her children were younger she was a dedicated volunteer in the Auburn School’s Parent Teacher Association, Campfire Girls and Boy Scouts. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Auburn.
Dorothy’s family wishes to thank all the staff at Dodge Park Rest home for allowing Dorothy’s final years to be filled with dignity and love as she struggled with Alzheimer’s. Without their help and guidance, their Mother would have vanished years ago. The family would also like to thank Jewish Home Hospice for their compassion and guidance ensuring the final months and days of her life were peaceful, comfortable and filled with love. Her long struggle has ended.
Donations can be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, May 24 from 11AM to 12PM. Her funeral Mass will follow at 12:30 PM in St. Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford Street, North in Auburn. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park
To leave a message of condolence for the family or to view the Book of Memories, please visit: brittonfuneralhomes.com
