Dorothy M. Blades

Dorothy M. Blades, 87, of Loudon, NH died Saturday, January 7, 2023, in the comfort of her home and surrounded by family, following a very brief illness. Her passing reunited her with her husband, Donald who died just the day before.

Dorothy was born in Winchester, MA September 26, 1935, to Howard Wesley and Ethel Marion (Magee) Milliken and was educated locally. She married Donald Blades June 27, 1954, and over several years, the family of two grew into a family of nine. They raised their children primarily in Massachusetts before relocating to New Hampshire in 1971, then enjoyed 21 years of retirement in Florida before making the decision in 2017 to settle back in New Hampshire to be close to family. Dorothy had a long and rewarding career serving as the Assistant to the Dean at both Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA and White Pines Community College in Chester, NH.

Driven by her deep Catholic faith, Dorothy gave of herself endlessly. She was a 4-H leader, a lover of animals, supporter of the arts, and she generously donated to many beloved charities such as St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Special Olympics. There seemed to be more hours in Dorothy’s days than other people were given as she managed to simultaneously raise a family and have a successful career while still finding time to write poetry and plays, participate in a bowling league, knit countless clothing items and accessories for her children, and craft beautiful blankets for her loved ones.

Dorothy is survived by six of her seven children, Donald Blades Jr. and wife Theresa of Fremont, Douglas Blades of Sandown, Dorene Heselton and partner Joseph Bodge of Epping, Diane Hammond and husband Rick of Deerfield, Donna McDonald of Allenstown, and Denise Davidson of Loudon; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her cousin, Mary “Ann” Milliken of Waltham, MA, with whom she shared a close friendship. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two sisters and her beloved daughter, Darlene Nicholson.

Family and friends are invited to gather Wednesday, January 18^th 11:00am-1:00pm at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 172 King Street in Boscawen. Funeral Service for both Dorothy and Donald will be held at 1:00 in the funeral home chapel followed immediately by a graveside service where she will be laid to rest with her husband at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit https://phaneuf.net/.