Dorothy Palenius

Dorothy A. (Niemi) Palenius, Dot to her friends, joined the presence of her Savior and Lord on Feb. 28, 2025. Born on Jan. 7, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Frederick A. and Anna L (Katajamaki) Niemi. She was raised by her aunts, Ellen and Helen Maki, and her uncle, Arthur Maki, after the passing of her parents.

After graduating from Commerce High School in Worcester, MA, Dot married Bob Palenius. They moved to Paxton, where they raised their three children on Biblical principles. She was active in the former Belmont St. Baptist Church and the Rutland Finnish Heritage Society.

Devoting herself to her own family as a stay-at-home mom while her children were young, Dot also opened her home during the week to love and care for three children of a single mother, whose husband had died. When Dot's own children were school age, she worked as a receptionist in a dental office and then as a salesperson and eventually an accountant at Denholm's in Worcester. Later she entered the insurance industry, culminating in being the secretary to the president of Worcester Insurance Company, finally retiring in 1991.

An avid reader, Dot enjoyed reading all genres: the Bible, Bible-themed books, novels, biographies, magazines, political-themed materials and the daily newspaper. Her love of language and spelling led to a daily challenge of completing crossword puzzles. Dot, also one of the biggest Celtics' fans, rarely missed a game on TV or on the radio, excitedly sharing postgame critiques. Besides a love of crafts and gardening, she also had a soft spot in her heart and home for animals.

Dot enjoyed writing letters, walking and traveling. She and her husband enjoyed visiting all 50 states, along with Israel, Mexico,Canada, Finland, and several other European countries. Most of all though she cherished time with her family at the Rutland family camp.

Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends for her quiet, gentle spirit, her kindness and generosity, and her unwavering faith in her God. She was predeceased in 2019 by her husband of 72 years, Robert H. Palenius; her son, Ronald D. Palenius; and her brother, Russell F. Niemi. Family members include two daughters: Ann L. Douglas and her husband, Lawrence, of Hampton, NH, and Jean E. Fifty and her husband, Jim, of Manchester, NH; and her daughter-in-law, Cathleen Palenius, of South Yarmouth, MA. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Christopher, David, and Joshua Fifty, and Larry and Matthew Douglas; seven great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a calling hour from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Burial will follow at Mooreland Cemetery, 261 Richards Ave., Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army, 640 Main Street. Worcester, MA. 01608. To share a memory or offer an online condolence visit www.milesfuneralhome.com