Dorothy “Dot” L. (Blake) Fortier, 87, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6, at Summer Commons in Sanford with her loving family by her side. Dot was born on August 2, 1938 to Lawrence & Grace (Lang) Blake in Berlin, New Hampshire.
She attended schools in Deerfield and Manchester, New Hampshire and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education at the University of Southern Maine. She taught special education in the Sanford School System for 31 years.
In 1995, Dot was honored to be nominated as Teacher of the Year in Sanford. Dot loved being around people so after her retirement in 1999, she worked part-time in the Walmart stores for Hallmark. During this time, she was also a substitute teacher for special education.
Our mother was such a kind and giving soul. She would cook meals or bake cookies or brownies for the sick or grieving. Up until the last month of her life, she would enjoy providing every resident and staff on the memory care unit with a card for their birthday.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her sister, Marion Lindsay; her husband, Ralph; former husband, David Anderson and son-in-law, Aime “Tim” Normand.
She is survived by her daughters Deborah (Steve) Ward of Titusville, Florida; Darlene Normand of Sanford, Maine; Donna Anderson of Sanford, Maine; and Diana (Dan) Rutherford of Acton, Maine, as well as stepsons Thomas Fortier of Tavares, Florida and John (Mary) Fortier of Grand Island, Florida. Also survived by grandchildren Jennifer Wilson and her partner Chris Biagi of Titusville, Florida; David Ward and his fiancée Danielle Harry of Phoenix, Arizona; and Nicole (John) Mohr of Sanford, Maine. Dot is also survived by great grandchildren Noelle Wilson and Claire Wilson of Titusville, Florida; several step great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 10 at 1:00 pm at Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 83 Stanley Road, Springvale, Maine. A luncheon will be held immediately following from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm at Springvale Social Club, 22 Bridge Street, Springvale. Parking is available in the Walgreen’s parking lot next door.
Our mother always liked her Dunkin Donuts coffee. In lieu of flowers, pay it forward by buying someone a cup of coffee or perform another random act of kindness. Remember…it costs nothing to be kind.
Mom, you have been our rock and we would not be the close, caring family that we are today if not for your guidance, support and unconditional love. We love you and you will be missed. You are in our hearts forever.
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Dot was the first special education teacher I ever met. In seventh grade, I watched her as she worked with her students. She was amazing. Watching her with them inspired me to work with special ed when I got older.
From Angela Elliott. Dot was one of the sweetest ladies I’ve ever known. Of course I’m so sorry about her passing as I always loved to say a cheerful hello to her each time I visited my own mom at the Summer Commons. I will miss that. She thought of others and was a great help to my mom when they first arrived there. Bless you Dot, blessings to your wonderful girls, Deb, Darlene, Diana and Donna.