Dorothy A. Taranto

Of the many gifts that life had to offer Dorothy Taranto she would humbly boast that being a wife, a mother and a mémère was by the far the best. And the Book of Proverbs says, 'Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her!' Dorothy died unexpectedly but peacefully with her five children by her side on Thursday, November 1, 2018. She was 75. In heaven she is reunited with her husband, Tucker who died April 6, 2004.

Dorothy Ann LaForte was born December 24, 1942 in Waltham a daughter of the late Roy and Ann (Annunciata) LaForte. Raised and educated in Waltham she graduated from Waltham High School. She married Thomas R. 'Tucker' Taranto on February 12, 1961. A lifelong Waltham resident she moved to Lexington in 2010.

Her late husband, Tucker was an active coach in Waltham athletics and it was often noted that wherever Tucker was…Dorothy wasn't far away. After raising her children she worked as a receptionist in the radiology department at Waltham Hospital for many years and later worked as an administrative assistant at Communities United in Watertown.

Her life revolved around her family and their activities. She was the constant supporter and cheerleader at as many games possible for each of her grandkids. She loved family gatherings at holidays, a shopping excursion and the love she received from the residents and staff at Meadow Green Nursing Home where she was an active volunteer for over ten years. Christmas Eve was a special holiday rich in the traditions of family, friends, great food...and obviously a birthday cake.

In addition to her husband, Tucker she is predeceased by her sister, Beverly A. Waite.

She leaves her children, Thomas R. Taranto Jr. (Lisa) of Lexington, Kathleen M. Stewart (Donald) of Ashburnham, Cheryl A. Pelletier (Wayne) of Watertown, Mark R. Taranto (Marcia) of Londonderry, NH and Michelle F. Poulin (Richard) of Watertown; her grandchildren Ryan and Alex Taranto, Allison, Justin and Kaitlin Pelletier, Tyler and Sydney Poulin, Cameron and Kylie Taranto; her brothers-in-law, Angelo Taranto (Mary) of Chelmsford and John Waite of Waltham; nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Dorothy's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, November 5th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery.

Memorial donations PKD Foundation (Polycystic Kidney Disease) 1001 E. 101st Terrace, Suite 220, Kansas City, MO 64131.