Dorothy Ann Vacca
July 11, 1930 ~ February 9, 2017
Cape Elizabeth - Dorothy A. Vacca, 86, of Charles Road, died Thursday, February 9, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Portland surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Portland, the daughter of William and Concetta DiSanto and graduated from Portland High School. On August 18, 1948, she married the love of her life Diamante D. Vacca at Saint Peters Roman Catholic Church in Portland before moving to Canton, Massachusetts to raise a family. When her children were older she returned to work as a secretary. After retirement, they moved back to Maine where they celebrated 52 years of marriage until his death in 2000. Dorothy loved spending time with her family and gathering her loved ones around the table especially for Sunday dinners and Thanksgiving, which was her favorite holiday. Dorothy loved carrying on her family traditions by preparing specialty items from her Italian heritage. She was a devout Catholic, a Eucharistic minister, and volunteered to say the rosary through various parishes. She was a member of the Saint Peters Church Sodality and looked forward to working the annual holiday fair with her sisters and cousins. She volunteered for several years at Ronald McDonald house and enjoyed doing her crossword puzzles daily. She was an avid Patriots fan and was pleased to see them win the Super Bowl prior to her passing. She is predeceased by her loving husband D.D. Vacca and grandson Sean Patrick Carlin; five sisters, Josephine Donovan, Carmela Lancia, Marilyn Phillips, Matilda Neilson, Paula Crawford, and a brother William Rocco DiSanto. She is survived by four daughters, Merri Vacca and companion Ken of New Hampshire, Clarice Kneeland and husband Joey of Saco, Ramona Butterfield and husband Ken of Saco, and Christina Vacca of New Gloucester; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The family would like to thank South Portland Nursing Home for their dedicated care towards not only Dorothy but all the residents and families in the home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made out to South Portland Nursing Home Resident Council in Dorothys memory. Visiting hours will be held from4:00-7:00PM onTuesdayat the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM on Wednesdayat Saint Peters Roman CatholicChurch, 72 Federal Street, Portland.Burial will take place in the spring at Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth. To view Dorothys memorial page or share online condolences please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
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Thanks julee. We love you.
– Chrissy
Marc, thank you for your support and sympathy. My Mother would be so proud to see the outpouring of candles and condolences from all of you. You are a kind, caring and loving friend. I am blessed to have you in my life
– Marc Benoit, from Merri
Nana,I will miss you so much, but I know you’ll be watching over us as you always have done. The most loving Grandmother a Granddaughter could ask for. I will always remember the precious memories I had with you. You will ALWAYS be in my Thoughts and Prayers.I love You Nana,Kaci
– Kaci Travers
Thank you so much for your condolences, it is greatly appreciated at this tragic time
– Doreen and Cole Thompson
So sorry to hear of Dot’s passing. She will be greatly missed by all. I had hoped to be able to attend her funeral but I broke my arm skiing a few weeks ago and am not able to drive. Also, my physical therapist recommended that I not take a chance of falling again on the snow-covered sidewalks in Portland. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time — “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Hugs to all.
– Terri (Winter) Messer
Sincere condolences and prayers, for the family and friends.
– Lamar Huffstutler
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and condolences are with all of at this time.
– Doolan family
Thank you both so much for your support. I know how much you loved Mom. You spent so much time at our home and She loved you too. I am blessed to have you in my life and thank you so much for your kindness
– Karen & Rick Gustafson, from Merri
Our sincere condolences for your loss. We will keep your mom and the family in our prayers. May God grant you strength to get through this difficult time.
– Maureen &Dan Juszkiewicz
Rick and I are so sorry on the passing of your Mom. We thought the world of both your Mom and Dad. We always enjoyed those Sunday afternoons with your family in Canton. Both your parents were so loving and caring and impacted my life in such a positive way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you , Merri, Claurice, Mona and Chrissy and I’m sure Dot is in heaven dancing with your Dad. God be with each of you at this most difficult time.
– Karen & Rick Gustafson
Dear Merri and Ken, so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts, and in my heart Love, Janie
– Janie Newton
My dear Clarice, Joey, Ari and family,we are so very sorry for your loss. Dottie was a delight and we are very blessed to have known her.I hope you are able to find solace in your memories and the joy she left with you (and the recipes!!)She is in peace now, Love, Ruth, Vaughn, Bridget and Mariah
– ruth grady
To Mona, Ken and the entire family, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your loved one. God bless you as you go through the grieving process. I will keep you in my prayers.
– Kennebunk, Me.
Thanks Diane.
– Chris
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Prayers and condolences to all of you.
– Joyce Bonacci
Merri & family, I’m saddened by your loss.My thoughts & prayers are with you.God’s grace is upon all of you.
– Marc Benoit
Nana,I will miss you so much, but I know you’ll be watching over us as you have always done.The most loving Grandmother a Granddaughter could ask for. I will always remember the precious memories I had with you. You will ALWAYS be in my Thoughts and Prayers.I Love You Nana,Kaci
– Kaci Travers
Lamar, thank you so much for your support during this time. My Mother would be so pleased to see how many people have lit candles and posted words of support. I am blessed to have you as my friend. I will never forget your kindness.
– Lamar Huffstutler from Merri
I am so sorry for your loss. You were all so devoted. She was lucky. I remember your mom from h.s. She and your dad were always so nice to me. I’m thinking of you all now.
– Diane Fine
We were sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.Much love!
– Doreen and Cole Thompson
Janie, thank you so much for your sympathy and concern. I love you
– Merri
We are saddened by this immense loss to you all. We hope warm memories will carry you through.
– Dennis & Lisa Jessick
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your beautiful condolences. MOM is a Saint. She was a kind, caring, loving and generous Woman. She was the peacemaker, always extending the olive branch whenever needed. She (and Dad) raised us with morals and to treat everyone that entered our lives with kindness and compassion. Mom was very religious, attending Mass every Sunday. After Her stroke when She was unable to get out She would watch the rosary and Mass every day on the television. Ken was a big part of their lives. Ken loved Mom & Dad so much and they loved him equally. He got to spend a lot of time with them and was crushed when my Dad passed. He is trying to deal with the massive grief he now feels for Mom. I thank GOD that we have each other to help each other to get through this. This is such a tragedy. There is so much darkness. The only thing that keeps us going is knowing that Mom and Dad are now dancing in Heaven in the light of our Lord. Again, thank you all so much
– Ken Andrews and Merri Vacca
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful mom. Thinking of you all and sending our condolences and love.
– Julee and Rick Obrien
Kaci, your words touched my heart. I love you my dear Daughter. I know how much you miss Nana and how much you loved Her. I am so grateful to have you in my life. I can’t express how much you mean to me. xoxoxoxox
– Kaci Travers, from Mommy
Thank you!
– Chrissy, Mona and Clarice