Dorothy Landry ‘Dorrie’ Kehoe, 88
Dorothy Landry “Dorrie”’ Kehoe, a longtime Acton resident, passed away on March 4, 2026, in Middlebury, Vermont, at age 88. Dorrie’s life was marked by a steadfast commitment to education, community, and family.
She was born on November 9, 1937, to Paul and Alice (Dardis) Landry. Having grown up in Watertown, she graduated from Watertown High School and later completed her education at Middlebury College.
Dorrie was very active in the town of Acton, which was her home, beginning in 1969, for 55 years. She served as secretary to the Acton Select Board and as coordinator of volunteers for Acton Public Schools. For years, she also was an elementary teacher for Acton Public Schools and played a founding role in the national success of the Tsongas Industrial History Center of Lowell, a hands-on museum for school groups.
She took special pride in living in West Acton and helping revitalize that once-scorned part of town. Her initial efforts involved the long-needed painting and renovation of the West Acton train depot, which is now the Club Car Café.
Working with her husband, William “Bill” Kehoe, a major early achievement was persuading Acton not to accept federal funds to widen Main Street from the Fowler Branch Library to Damon Mill, which would have required removing all the large, old roadside trees. By collaborating with neighbors and Acton Public Works, she encouraged and assisted in helping residents purchase and plant long-blooming perennials to enhance gardens along Route 62.
Appreciating the joys and importance of public gardening, Dorrie led a group of residents working with the Acton Municipal Light Plant and Acton Public Works to install attractive light poles in West Acton Center, as well as hanging flower baskets, which are now a summer staple.
Following this success, Dorrie, along with several other residents, founded the West Acton Green Thumbs, which now designs and manages the five public gardens in West Acton Center. Dorrie left her mark in many places throughout the town she loved wholeheartedly.
She was the loving and proud mother of her son Matthew Emile Bonner and his wife Monique Speidell Bonner, and grandmother of Christopher “CJ” Bonner and Nicholas “Linc” Bonner, all of Cornwall, Vermont. She also leaves many dear friends who were a vitally important part of her life. Dorrie was predeceased by her husband Bill Kehoe and her former husband Peter Bonner.
Burial at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge was private. A memorial service in celebration of Dorrie’s life will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, at the Acton Museum Lyceum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike.
It is Dorrie’s most ardent wish that the “flowering” of West Acton Center will continue to thrive. To this end, she would welcome contributions in her honor to West Acton Green Thumbs, or to any clubs or institutions that foster this wish.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Acton. To share a memory or offer a condolence on Dorrie’s tribute page, visit DeeFuneralHome.com.
