Juanita H. Dow of Wellesley, Massachusetts, and formerly a longtime resident of Waterbury passed away on May 29, 2015, in Wellesley.
Wife of the late Ransom W. Dow, loving and caring mom and best friend to Kimberlee Dow and her favorite son-in-law James Marcotte, Scott Dow and her beautiful daughter in-law Kathy Dow. Grammie to William Dow; Norwich University Cadet PFC Vermont National Guard and grandmother to numerous grandpups and kitties. She is survived also by her best pal, Sally Landry of Patten, Maine.
Juanita was predeceased by her siblings: Bud, Doris, June and Marylee. She is survived by her beloved sister Betsy, Fern, Phillip, Bruce and sister-in-law Codie Gibbs. Ransom’s siblings that have passed; Wendall, Jean, Ryle, Bernie and Theda. Juanita has many nieces and nephews with many “grands” for several generations that she loved dearly.
Juanita and Ransom ran Park Restaurant in Waterbury until 1978, when Juanita started a career working for the Department of Child Welfare for the state of Vermont. When she “retired” she filled her days building gardens at her home in Waterbury, traveling with her dear friend Fay Charles from Ireland to Key West, Florida. Mom also loved her years volunteering at the Waterbury senior center. She spent many happy times with her dear friend and co “mom” Lucy Marcotte in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
When she moved to Wellesley to live with Kimberlee and “Jimbo” she enjoyed going to Boston, picnics at the various parks, eating ice cream wherever we could find it and helping to take care of her beloved grandpups and kitties. She moved to the Elizabeth Seton residence in 2013 in Wellesley where she made many friends. Mom lived life and did not let any illness stop her from sharing her garden and cooking knowledge, going on shopping trips and enjoying any activity offered; she also loved singing with Matthew, the activities director, whenever he was near. Never one to be idle and not work, Juanita made it her job to oversee the nurse’s station where you could find her making sure everyone was where they were supposed to be.
Her unfailing sense of humor and intense blue eyes made everyone happier for knowing and seeing her. When it was clear she was “ready to meet the big guy,” staff from landscape, kitchen, maintenance laundry, housekeeping and her beloved CNAs and nurses all made special time to come say goodbye.
Mom found her voice in spite of her dementia, always speaking her truth no matter whether you would like it or not. It was never ever mean spirited, it was just her truth. Everyone who got to know her valued that quality in her.
A memorial celebration of Juanita’s life will be held on August 8, 2015, at 11 a.m. from Waterbury Center Community Church with a luncheon reception following in the church dining room. Interment will be private.
At Juanita’s request, in lieu of flowers please send donations to the Waterbury Area Senior Center, 14 Stowe Street, Waterbury, VT 05676 or the North Country Animal League, 16 Mountain View Meadow Road, Morrisville, VT 05661 (www.ncal.com). Assisting the family is Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com.
