Dorothy H Gillis “Dottie” – 84, of North Reading, died March 25, 2020 at Melrose Hospital.

Born in North Reading on May 21, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Helen (Lyons) Sarcone.

Dottie was married to the late George F. Gillis for 56 years. Raised 4 children, Daughters, Debra McCabe, and her husband Carl, Kathleen Anderson, and her husband Peter both of North Reading, Dorothy Welch of Aurora, CO., and her son George Gillis, Jr., and his wife Wendy of Tewksbury.

Dottie is survived by her sisters, Rose Lussier of Sanford, N.C., and MaryAnn Shaw of Atkinson, N.H. and she was predeceased by her sister Catherine Marfleet, and her late brothers Paul & Leon Turcotte, Anthony, Richard & Joseph Sarcone.

She was a loving Nana to 9 Grandchildren and the late Scott A. Welch. She was also Nana to 9 Great Grandchildren along with many wonderful Nieces and Nephews.

Dottie graduated from Reading High School. In her early years Dottie worked for Transitron Electronic Corporation in Wakefield MA. Dottie was well known in town as the bus driver of students to North Reading public schools. Dottie retired from North Suburban Bus Company after more than 30 years of service. Dottie also worked briefly as a Crossing Guard in North Reading after retiring.

Dottie was very outgoing and not afraid to try something new, and she was known for her laugher. She always told you “like it is”. Dottie loved to teach her Grandchildren and many other children that called her Nana to fish and swim.  Dottie especially enjoyed camping at her favorite place, Sebago Lake State Park in Maine and made many trips to York Beach, where she always made sure to find a good Lobster Roll.

Dottie was known for welcoming everyone and anyone over to her home. The door was always open. She was also known for ringing your doorbell multiple times when she came to visit your home. She loved family gatherings and cookouts and always brought her famous Potato Salad to every event. Dottie loved her family and friends and would do anything for anyone!  She enjoyed all her dogs throughout the years, including Lilly, Jake & Rambo just to name a few. Dottie will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her.

Visitation will be held on Friday June 11^th from 4-7 pm at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading (www.croswellfuneralhome.com). Her funeral Mass with be Saturday June 12^th at 10:30 am at Saint Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Route 62), North Reading. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Dottie’s name to North Reading Parks and Recreation, 235 North Street, North Reading, Ma. 01864. The funds will be used to dedicate a tree near her favorite fishing hole. The tree is also near the area of Ipswich River Park where town barbeques are held, which she loved attending.