PEABODY - Dorothy "Dot" Young, 80, of Peabody, formerly of Danvers and Ipswich, loving wife of the late Alan G. Young, passed away February 24th, 2025 at Salem Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Beverly, she was the daughter of the late Cecil M. and Althea (Hebb) Mathews.

Dot was raised and educated in Ipswich, graduating from Ipswich High School in 1962. She went on to attend Salem State University, graduating in 1974 with a BA in education. Dorothy devoted her career to the Hogan Regional Center in Danvers, where she served as an educational coordinator. There, she inspired countless individuals and provided essential training in sign language for employees working with developmentally disabled adults. Her dedication to her profession reflected her unwavering belief in the potential of every individual.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dot was actively involved in her community. As the commissioner of the Elliott Clan of MA & NH and a member of the Polish, Russian, and Lithuanian Club, she embraced her heritage and shared her warmth with those she met. She found immense joy in her cat, Minks, and cherished time spent reading, with Stephen King being her favorite author. Her love for musical theater began with a memorable trip to see Hair in Boston with her mother, Althea. She often joked with her family as to whether or not clothes were involved at the end of that musical; many others, including The King and I, Annie, Phantom of The Opera, and Cats brought her boundless infusions of joy.

Dorothy's resilience shone through as she recovered from a hip replacement, continuing to embrace life to the fullest by attending memorable concerts, including one featuring Queen and Adam Lambert at Mohegan Sun, showcasing her vibrant spirit even in her later years.

A cherished mother and a loving grandmother, Dot's warm spirit and wicked sense of humor brought endless joy to her family. Her daughter recalls fondly how Dot never missed an opportunity for a punchline, and her comedy record collection spoke to her love of laughter. Known for her private nature yet deeply spiritual and attuned to the needs and feelings of those around her, she was such a great, kind, caring, and very brilliant person and will always be missed very deeply.

In this time of mourning, we reflect on the laughter, love, and lessons shared, honoring Dot's memory as a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many. May her spirit continue to inspire all who knew her.

Dot is survived by her son, Nathan Young of Peabody, her daughter, Deborah Rolski and her husband Rik of New Salem, her grandson, Lucien Rolski, as well as extended family and friends.

ARRANGMENTS: At the request of the family all services will be private. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.