We are sad to announce the passing of one of our own. Dory started working at Burlington Schools in 1996. Simply put, she was magnificent in all of her roles as a person, mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, employee, and community member.
She loved to connect young people to books and reading but more importantly she loved to connect with young people. Her concern and interest was real and felt by each. She spread it like butter on fresh bread. Dory created an environment in the library that was warm and inviting. It felt a bit like home when you went in.
Dory had a twinkle in her eye and a wry smile that revealed just a touch of mischievousness lurking in the shadows. Her sense of humor was keen and her capacity to cut to the heart of an issue with directness was refreshing. There was no dancing around issues or need to guess how she felt about something. Yet, she always was sensitive in saying what needed to be said--though at times the fire in her eyes added unspoken exclamation points.
I admired her sense of loyalty. She was loyal to family, friends, co-workers, students, the school, and her values. This consistent loyalty guided her decisions, priorities, and her use of of time. Top among these chosen commitments were her family members. I often sensed the profound joy which she felt for those she loved most.
Recently, I have had some tears because of Dory, but I prefer to remember the many smiles and clever moments I shared with her. She had a knack for doing that.
It seems to me that God puts some people on hold here on earth to give Him time to figure out what to do with them once they pass His way. Others, He is eager to bring home. Dory was in the latter category.
Everywhere she happened to be was a bit brighter and whom she was with a bit better because she was Dory. May her memory inspire us to be a bit more Dory-like.