Dorothy (Grandmaison) Salem

Dorothy (Grandmaison) Salem, 84, long time Worcester resident passed away Monday, December 18th with her family gathered at her side after a period of declining health.  Born in Worcester, on December 28th 1932, Dorothy was the daughter of Joseph and Rose (Lavoie) Grandmaison.  Raised and educated in Worcester, Dorothy married Ferris Salem and began a 42 years marriage of Love dedication and family before Ferris passed away in 1993.   Dorothy and Ferris provided for their family by owning and operating cabs as part of the Arrow Cab company, many years before retiring.  Notably Dorothy was the first women cab owner and driver in the Worcester area.  Dorothy is survived by her eight children; Mary Kerrbel and her husband Charles of Upton, Joanne Lundin in South Carolina, William Salem and his wife Rebecca,  Dorothy Francis and her husband Wayne all of Auburn, John Salem, Carol Morrissey, Barbara Sprino and her husband Dave, and Rose Esposito all of Worcester;   her pet dog and best friend Jackie;  a brother,  Rene Grandmaison and his wife Theresa of Auburn;  six sisters, Maryann Stetson in Maine, Annmarie Desroches and her husband Bob of Spencer, Linda Wilson and her husband d Rich in Ft Myers, FL, Greta Lupien in Pinellas, Florida, Rosemary Gremo in Douglas, and Theresa Colegrove of Worcester; twelve grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and extended family members.    A son, Ferris Salem, Jr and sisters,  Helen Knault, Lydia Baker, Joan Bininous, Joseph Grandmaison, Jr. and Rita    all pre deceased her.   Dorothy enjoyed Bingo, trips to the casino, shopping and playing cards and games.   Dorothy the matriarch and lovingly considered the family ring leader, loved people and especially loved having her children and grandchildren around her.  She cherished the times they could be together on holidays, and special occasions where her children would lovingly tease her and make her laugh and smile.  Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Thursday, December 21, 2017 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St followed by a prayer service.  Burial will be private.