BRUNSWICK — Dorothy Ann Stetson, age 91, of Thornton Hall, died Saturday, November 10, 2018, at her residence after a long struggle with numerous medical issues after being cared for by the Purinton Family for the last seven years.

She was born in Nanticoke, PA on February 17, 1927, the daughter of John and Josephine Shipkowski Grontkowski. Dot graduated from Nanticoke High School in 1944. Dot then graduated from Wilkes Barre PA business college and worked as a clerk and bank teller at the former Miner’s National Bank of Nanticoke.

For several years Dot assisted her parents in the operation and running of the family’s funeral home the John Grontkowski funeral home in Nanticoke, PA. especially after her father suffered illness at an early age.

On September 18, 1948, she married Irving “Stet” Stetson and moved to Brunswick, Maine becoming a partner with her husband of Stetson’s Funeral Home, a fourth-generation business which they operated for decades until selling it to Anthony Purinton and his wife Debbie in 1990. Anthony had worked at the funeral home starting in high school learning the craft of becoming a funeral director.

Dot also graduated from New England Institute in Boston where she majored in Women Studies in Funeral Service.

Dot and Stet traveled the world for pleasure and numerous funeral home related symposiums and seminars. For many years they enjoyed their home on the tip end of Mere Point.

Dot served in numerous civic activities in the community including working as a ballot clerk in Brunswick for many years. She was a former member of the Altrusa Club, the Emblem Club, B.P.W. (Business and Professional Women’s Club), a member of the Dirigo Grange, the Lions Club, a Past President of the George T. Files Post # 20 Ladies Auxiliary. The Red Hat Society and the Topsham/ Brunswick Garden Club.

Dot was involved with the Mid Coast Hospital and the Mid Coast Hospital Auxiliary for many years and had also worked in their Thrift Shop.

Dot was a longtime member of St. Charles Borromeo Church-All Saints Parish and had served as an altar server and helped with their yearly Christmas Fair.

Surviving are several nieces and a special friend Connie Smith who she considered as a daughter.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, November 15th from 5-7 PM at Stetson’s Funeral Home 12 Federal St. Brunswick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 16th at 10 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church-All Saints Parish 132 McKeen St. Brunswick with a reception to immediately follow in the parish hall. Private interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in Brunswick.

The Purinton Family would like to thank Krystal Douglas for the special care she provided to Dorothy.

Memorial condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com.