Dorothy C. Lay (Chapman)

April 12, 1927 — March 13, 2020

Dorothy C Lay, of Bennington, age 92, died on Friday, March 13, 2020, following a brief illness.

She was born in Pittsfield, MA, on April 12, 1927, the sixth child of ten, of the late Walter & Gertrude (Fugman) Chapman. She grew up in Pittsfield, attended the public schools and graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1945. She married Charles Austin Lay on May 29, 1948. They were happily married for forty-five years until his death in August of 1993.

Family was of first importance to Dorothy and she was most happy when family was together. Many of her vacations were spent visiting family in different areas of the United States. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed making most of her own clothing. She also enjoyed sewing special outfits for her children and then her grandchildren and great grandchildren as well.
In her earlier years, she was employed by Rice's Silk Factory in Pittsfield, winding special thread for parachutes. Over the years she had several different jobs: a Laurene home party saleswoman , a mail clerk at City Hall in Pittsfield, and a personal caregiver for Elder Services. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church on Fenn Street in Pittsfield for many years, often known as the "kitchen lady" " she organized many luncheons for church meetings and for the public. She and Charles were also counselors for the church youth group, chaperoning many trips and young people over the years.

Five years ago Dorothy moved to Bennington, VT to be closer to her daughter, Charlene. At that time she joined the Second Congregational Church and made many new friends there.

Dorothy was a member of PEO International (A philanthropic and educational organization for women with the purpose of providing scholarships to assist in the education of women) and she made many special friendships and connections through this group. She was also a former member of Eastern Star, Collina Chapter #69.

Dorothy is survived by her five children: Steven (Nancy) Lay of Staunton, VA, David Lay (Helen Coxe) of Cumberland, ME, Charlene (David) Adams of Pownal, VT, Judy (Harold) Sargent of Irving, TX and Karen (Lee) Holt of Franklin, MA. Dorothy leaves twelve grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Pauline Giacoletto of Pittsfield and her brother, George Chapman of Cape Coral, FL, sister-in-law Doris Wooldidge of Knoxville, TN and brother-in-law Paul Lay of St Louis, MO, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Besides her husband and parents, she was predeceased by seven siblings.

A time of celebration will be held later in the spring. Due to public health concerns there will be no calling hours.

Donations in her memory may be made to PEO International through the Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St, Bennington, VT 05201. https://donations.peointernational.org/peo-donation-elf

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Dorothy C. Lay (Chapman)

April 12, 1927 — March 13, 2020

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