Dorothy L. (Fess) Harkins

Dorothy L. (Fess) Harkins, (Dotty) of Malden, passed away on Monday, June 29th, at the age of 73. Dotty was born in 1952, the daughter of Aloysius and Thelma Hope Fess. She was raised and educated in Somerville- always willing to talk about growing up on “the Ave”. At age 14, Dotty met the love of her life- Carl, at the College Ave United Methodist Church. They became true high school sweethearts. Two years after she graduated from Somerville High School, she and Carl were married in 1972. They shared nearly 60 years together, 54 years of those in marriage.

Dotty was a fun loving, out going person- the life of the party. She enjoyed making people smile by wearing her crazy hats or dressing up her lawn flamingos for different holidays.

Everyone knew she was the biggest Red Sox fan and was always watching with her giant foam finger waving above her head. She loved spending time at the beach, whether it was in Salisbury, Old Orchard or her beloved Jamaica.  Dotty coined the phrase “keep your face to the sun”. A slogan that has gone on to influence many. Dotty accepted everyone- often the first to say “I’m ok, you’re ok” at the exact time you needed to hear it. More than anything, however, she enjoyed spending time with her precious granddaughter - Lilly Hope.

Dorothy worked at Daves Fresh Pasta of Somerville for over 30 years.  A tight knit group she considered to be part of her family.

She did have her serious side, and earned the right to call herself a warrior having defeated cancer once before in her life, and fighting as hard as she could to do it again. Her fighting spirit was an inspiration for both family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Carl, her daughters Leigh Gerow and husband Chris of Saugus, Lynda Harkins and her partner John Barreira of Saugus, her siblings, Darryl Fess and wife Kelly of Lakeville, Donald Fess and wife Debra of North Carolina, Dianne James and husband Peter of Wilmington, and Daniel Fess of Florida her cherished granddaughter Lilly Hope Gerow.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 3rd at the Weir – MacCuish Funeral Home, 144 Salem St Malden at 10 AM.  

American Sign Language interpreters will be proved for the service. 

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, July 2nd, from 4 – 8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy’s memory may be made to Saugus Youth Recreational Program, 400 Central Street Saugus, MA 01906, or Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan St, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.

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