Obituary: Dorothy Nelson, 81, Of Malden

MALDEN, MA — On Thursday, March 4, 2021, Dorothy Nelson of Malden, MA took her last breath in this world. Born on Nov. 10, 1939 to the late Lillian and Michael Lonzo, Dorothy, originally from Chelsea, grew up with 18 siblings. She was an elite softball pitcher, leading Chelsea High School to the state championship in 1957.

She was married to the late Ernest L. Nelson in 1961 and had two children – the late John Nelson and Dorothy Zahir. She raised her family in Malden and spent more than half her life living along Eastern Ave. where she became lifelong friends with her neighbor (and eventual roommate) – Pauline White.

Prior to retiring, Dorothy worked nights at Mellon Bank and Bank of America.

Making lasting connections was a common side effect of Dorothy’s unique personality and she made fast friends with everyone she met. She was often found at local coffee shops surrounded by friends with a welcoming smile and joke.

Dorothy became a widow at a young age, but in her grief developed a resourcefulness that was admired by all who met her. Often sporting an oversized sweatshirt, sandals, and tattered jeans, Dorothy would spend her time working on home improvement projects – at her house or at her grandchildren’s homes. Completely self-taught, she knew more about replacing doors, fixing windows or stopping a leaky faucet than most contractors. In her later years, she resorted to handcrafting dollhouses for her grandchildren.

Dorothy was fiercely devoted to her family, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and in recent years her great grandchildren. Her family, along with everyone who knew her, will miss her deeply.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Dorothy; her grandchildren Alisa Marra and husband Dan Marra, LeeAnn Martino, Samantha Hemenway and husband Arthur Hemenway, Tanvir Zahir, and Gabriella Gimas; her great grandchildren Sean Marra, Devin Marra, Violet Marra, Rose Marra, Mia Martino, Viviana Martino, Maddox Torres and Declan Torres.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church Malden, MA.

Photo and obituary submitted by Dorothy Zahir.