Dorothy "Dot" Scanlon (nee' Videon) came into this world on August 5, 1930, in Natick, MA, growing up in Medford, MA. She passed peacefully in her sleep on June 5, 2026, at the age of 95.

On her final day, Dot won three rounds of Bingo alongside her beloved companion, Ralph Sullivan. Afterward, they spent time together, hand and hand, on the front porch of Lydia Taft, enjoying the flowers, the birds, the sunset and each other's company.

Dot loved the fresh air, new experiences and people. She had a gift for turning strangers into friends with her uniquely quick wit, and easy laugh, taking a genuine delight in making others smile and feel seen.

During the Summer, Dot looked forward to heading to the beach, with an enormous blanket, a full cooler, and a boombox, enjoying a day on the beach with her family, from sun up to sun down. She loved the ocean, saying it filled her with awe, being so close to something so much bigger than herself.

Dot and her dear friend Ruth entertained fellow community members at Linwood Mill, in Whitinsville, MA, performing comedic sketches as part of the monthly Karaoke night. Dot also hosted many themed dinners with her dear friends at Linwood, once donning a big yellow mustache for Italian night.

Prior to her time in Whitinsville, Dot lived in Ashland, MA raising her four children with her husband of 52 years, Jerome Scanlon.

An artist at heart, Dot enjoyed ceramics on the side, collaging the kitchen with wallpaper samples and adorning the walls with her art.

In her 40s, Dot learned to drive a school bus, becoming a beloved driver for Keefe Technical School in Framingham, MA. Later, she was asked to work in the school's administrative offices, where she was equally loved by students and colleagues.

A devoted grandmother, in the words of her granddaughter, Riley, a "Ride or Die Gram," she never missed a performance, sporting event or milestone.

Though afraid of heights, Dot once stood and cheered from the nosebleed seats during a performance of La Cage aux Folles, applauding and singing at the top of her lungs, "I AM WHAT I AM!" She will forever be in the hearts of all who knew her.

Even during her final days, her spirit remained undiminished. Her youngest daughter, Nancy, took her on a spin in her wheelchair, around the grounds of Lydia Taft. With her hair flying in the wind, Dot, threw her head back, squealing and laughing like a teenager, taking the hand of her friend in the wheelchair beside her and screaming, "Hang on! We may not make it out of here alive!"

Predeceased by her son Jerome "Stephen" Scanlon and her husband, Jerome Scanlon, she is survived by her three daughters, Barbara Mark and her husband Jerry of San Francisco, California; Patty Scanlon and her husband Hugh of Pasadena, California and Nancy Malone and her husband Mike of Marion, Massachusetts. Her adored grandchildren, Pat and Riley Malone of Boston, Massachusetts; her sister, Barbara Hathaway of New Hampshire; her many treasured nieces, nephews, friends, and acquaintances. And her much loved companion of 14 years, Ralph Sullivan, who every day brought a twinkle to her blue eyes.

She also leaves behind a well loved and well fed cat, Peek-A-Boo.

In honor of Dot, find an adventure. Make a friend. Make someone laugh. Make a Day.

A funeral service will be celebrated Thursday June 25th at 11:00am in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland, MA.

Big yellow moustaches optional.