Dorothy V. "Dottie" (Vallette) Stiles

ASHBURNHAM - Dorothy V. "Dottie" (Vallette) Stiles, 87 of 238 Lake Road, Ashburnham, died Sunday, December 30, 2012 at home. She was born in Springfield, MA, on October 14, 1925, the daughter of the late Vincent J. and the late Dorothy (Stutz) Vallette.  Her ancestors came over in August of 1635 aboard the James from England and settled in the Dorchester area of Boston.  She is a descendant of the Rev. Richard Mather. She grew up in Townsend, moving to Ashburnham when she was a teenager and resided there until her passing.  She attended Townsend schools, then Cushing Academy, graduating as Valedictorian in 1943.  She attended Smith College, graduating in 1947. She was a stay at home mom until her children were teenagers.  She returned to school to obtain her teachers certificate and she began substitute teaching at Oakmont Regional High School.  She then went on to work for the former R. W. Bickford/Foster Insurance Company in Ashburnham for 24 years.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed sewing and knitting, swimming at the Lake Club, cross country skiing and snowshoeing on the lake, bowling, feeding the birds, crossword puzzles, playing cards, especially weekly bridge with the ladies, and enjoyed her special Thanksgiving Family.   She attended a lifetime of social events and gatherings with friends and families in the Lane Village neighborhood; the Winter Harbor dock socials, theme events and work parties.  Family boating on Lake Winnipesaukee. She was always involved with community groups and events.  She was a member of the Ashburnham Community Church and the Chapel Street Players, Stevens Memorial Library-Past Trustee, Clio Women’s Club-Past Officer, Life Member Naukeag Lake Club, Founding Member of L.V.I. C. & C. Society, Den Mother Fitchburg area Scouting Council, Ashburnham Schools Parent Association, Ladies Bowling League, Ashburnham Firemen’s Woman’s Auxiliary & Muster Team, Loon Counters and Observers, Winter Harbor Yacht Club – Gilford Yacht Club, N.E. Antique & Classic Boat Society, Smith College Alumnae Association, Ashburnham Election Poll Worker for many years.  She was a Notary Public.   She leaves four sons:  Nathan Stiles Jr. of Ashburnham, Mark E. Stiles and his wife Ramona of Leominster, R. Lincoln Stiles Sr. and his wife Pierrette of Ashburnham, Stephen V. Stiles of Gardner; seven grandchildren:  Matthew Stiles, Ian Stiles, R. Lincoln Stiles Jr., Robin Wagner, Rhonda L. Stiles, Stacie Morse and Jaymi Brousseau; nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years:  Nathan Stiles who died July 16, 1997, by her brother William J. Vallette and by her grandson Mik Stiles who died February 13, 1987. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 10:00 am in the Ashburnham Community Church, 9 Chapel St., Ashburnham, Ma  01430.  Burial will be held at in the spring. Calling hours will be held Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner, MA  01440. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to the Stevens Public Library, 2 Memorial Dr., Ashburnham, MA  01430 or the Ashburnham Community Church, 9 Chapel St., Ashburnham, Ma  01430 For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.mackfuneralhome.com. Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });