Dorothy F. Scala

Yarmouth – Dorothy F. Scala, 93, formally of Portland, peacefully passed away on February 3, 2026, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. Dorothy “Dottie” was born on June 8, 1932, in Westbrook, daughter of the late John P. F. and Dorothy (Finney) Connolly.

On July 22, 1961 she married her love, Peter F. Scala at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Portland. Together they built a beautiful life, a simple life. They bought their first and only home before getting married. Working on it together to make it their own. They immediately started their family, her pride and joy. Peter and Dorothy loved going out dancing and having  get-togethers with their very dear friends, Tony and Corrine Fasulo and Art and Liz Latini. The family spent many hot summer days at the lake, coming home tired and sunburned to fresh corn on the cob and a large antipasto salad. Even though Dorothy was Irish she cooked like a true Italian, being taught by Peter’s mother and sisters. There was always homemade sauce and meatballs cooking on the stove on a Sunday morning. Baking and cooking for the people she loved brought her so much joy.

Dorothy’s home was such a welcoming place, friends and family would always stop by knowing a warm cup of coffee or freshly baked cookies were on the menu.  Everyone loved Dorothy.

When her children entered school she started working as an ed tech, which then progressed to working in the office at Jack Elementary School, retiring in 1997.

Dorothy was the “best Nana” to her growing clan of grandchildren. She had a special relationship with each of them, never missing a game, concert, play, horse show, or school event. She volunteered at both Merrill Auditorium as an usher and Northern Light Mercy Hospital Fore River at the information desk.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Peter F. Scala; and sister, Virginia “Ginny” Wentworth. She is survived by her children, Nancy Scala Cote, Michael F. and wife Tracey Scala, John and wife Julie Scala; five adoring grandchildren, Joseph and his wife Callie Cote, Meaghan Cote and her fiancé Joshua Melvin, Michael Anthony Scala, Samuel, and Paige Scala; great- grandchildren, Cooper and Margaux Cote; sisters, Beverly Nappi and Elizabeth “Betty” Audette; and many extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 11am  – 12pm on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the new Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral & Gathering Center, 300 Allen Avenue, Portland, a Funeral Service will begin at 12:30pm, with burial to follow at New Calvary Cemetery, 1461 Broadway, South Portland.

Please consider making a memorial donation in Dorothy’s memory to Hospice of Southern Maine at 390 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074, or online at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/donate.