Dorothy M LaPointe

Dorothy M. (Howard) LaPointe, 91 Worcester - Dorothy May LaPointe, a life-long resident of Worcester, died peacefully in her daughter's loving arms at home after a period of declining health on, Friday January 1, 2010. Dorothy is survived by four of her six children; Atty. Michelle M. Hansen of Worcester and her two children, Dr. Kristen M. O'Connor of Rutland and Atty. David L. Hansen Jr. of Boston; Marylynne Dube of Douglas and her three children, Richelle Brown, Richard Brown, and Renee Downer; Paul LaPointe of Albany, NY and his three children, Paul Michael LaPointe, Amanda McNeal, and Christopher LaPointe; Martin C. LaPointe of Vermont. She was predeceased by two of her sons, Stephen F. LaPointe and Gerald P. LaPointe and one grandson Michael Peter LaPointe, Gerald's son and brother to Emily and Sarah LaPointe. She was a great-grandmother to Callasandra May O'Connor, Braden O'Connor and Gavin McNeal. Dorothy was born in Worcester, oldest daughter of the late Martin J. Howard and Jennie T. (Donahue) Howard. She is survived by her brother Walter Howard of Ohio and her sister Florence (Howard) Sullivan of Westboro. Dorothy was predeceased by her youngest sister, Genevieve (Howard) Glavickas. Dorothy graduated from Commerce High School in 1937 and often worked 2 and 3 jobs in order to support her children. She was a fierce proponent of continuing education for all and she strived to instill the gift of constant learning and growing in her children and grandchildren. In 1964 she began working as a secretary at Worcester State Hospital, retiring in 1985. It was while working at Worcester State Hospital she discovered her passion to help our most misunderstood in society, our mentally ill. Her unwavering commitment to provide improved health care and community resources for the mentally ill was further inspired by her devoted love and care for her son Stephen after he was diagnosed with mental illness. As a dedicated advocate and pioneer, Dorothy founded the Worcester Regional Alliance for the Mentally Ill. While serving multiple terms as its Secretary and President, Dorothy led a grass roots approach to educate our local and national representatives, congressmen and senators regarding the vast disparity of resources for our mentally ill neighbors, friends and family members. Dorothy organized numerous fundraising events, candlelight vigils, legislative breakfasts and visits to the State House on behalf of raising awareness and funding for services for the mentally ill. Dorothy was Secretary of Local 137 AFSE State, County and Municipal Employees and a steward of the National Association of Government Employees. She also served as a Director on the Board of Community Healthlink and Worcester State Hospital, as a member of the Anti-Stigma Committee, a supporter of Genesis House and the Bridge of Central Massachusetts. Her efforts on behalf of the mentally ill were acknowledged by the White House with a letter written by Tipper Gore, wife to then Vice President Al Gore, thanking Dorothy for her tireless advocacy spanning many decades. On behalf of Dorothy, her family would like to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers along the years and most sincerely to Sally Gaisey who made it possible for our mom's wish to live and die at home a reality. Most of all, Dorothy was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend whose life and teachings will continue to inspire and encourage us to always strive to do our best while helping others along the way. In lieu of flowers, Dorothy would be honored by your donation to either the Central Mass Regional Alliance for the Mentally Ill, c/o Ray Breton , NAMI 3 Apple Tree Lane Walpole, MA 02081-2301 or to The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, 4 Mann St. Worcester, MA 01602. Dorothy's funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 5,2010 at 10AM in St. Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln St. Worcester. Calling hours will be held from 5-8 PM on Monday, January 4th at Mercadante Funeral Home. 370 Plantation St. Interment will be in St. Johns. Cemetery.