Dorothy E. Cogan

PORTLAND — Dorothy E. “Dottie” Cogan, 86, formerly of Casco, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 21, 2017.

She was born in 1931, in Haverhill, Mass., to Edward and Helen Ferrick. Dorothy and her two brothers, Edward and Thomas (both deceased), were orphaned when Dorothy was very young. After a brief period in an orphanage, Dorothy moved to Rockland, Mass., in the care of foster parents.

Dorothy graduated from Rockland High School in 1949, and then worked for the Rockland Trust Company as a teller and accounts manager. She then moved to New York City and was employed as an executive secretary to the president of Walworth Company, Inc. During this time she met her future husband, William Cogan, whom she married in 1961. The couple moved to North Easton, Mass., where together they had four children, Mary, twins Lisa and Paul (deceased), and Joseph. Dorothy earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Bridgewater State College and went on to serve and advocate for the elderly as a social worker in several nursing homes in both Massachusetts and Maine.

In 1992, Dorothy and William moved to Casco, where they were able to live out their golden years on Coffee Pond, a spot both believed was very nearly perfect. Dorothy continued to work as a social worker until her retirement in 1996. She went on to serve as a substitute teacher for the Lake Region school district. She also served as a volunteer at the Casco Public Library, volunteered at the polls for local, state, and national elections, and was a regular attendee at Senior Meals.

Following William's death in 2012, Dorothy continued to live at Coffee Pond, visiting with neighbors, volunteering, and playing bingo with her friends at Senior Meals, until she was no longer able to live alone. Dorothy's most recent residence was at Birchwoods at Canco, an assisted living facility in Portland, where she briefly served as Resident Council President. She was also a regular participant in Bingo, an ardent supporter of the New England Patriots, and looked forward to opportunities to ride with the Portland Wheelers.

Dottie, as she was known, will be remembered fondly by all who knew her for her genuine interest, her kindness, and her unflagging sense of humor.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Mary, Mary's husband David and their two children, Elana and Erin; her daughter Lisa, Lisa's husband David and their three children, Amanda, Rebecca, and William; her son Joseph and his daughter Alexandra. She dearly loved all of her family, including brothers-in-law Jack and Jim; sisters-in-law Martha and Carolyn; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Dorothy's life was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in Windham on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m., with a reception following in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Portland Wheelers (www.portlandwheelers.org)