Dorothy Rose (Perry) Circelli, 96

Dorothy Rose (Perry) Circelli, known to many as Dot, Dottie, Sunny, Dellie, and most lovingly as Mom and Nana, completed her life’s journey at age 96 on January 24, 2026, held in the love of her family.

The daughter of Azorean immigrants Mary and Manuel Perry, who supported their family and community through their farm, Dorothy was raised with a deep sense of humility, hard work, and care for others. Like her parents — and as evidenced by the thriving plants around her home — Dorothy had a green thumb that extended far beyond Christmas cactus blooms and aloe vera; she centered her world around nurturing those she loved.

She leaves behind her five beloved children — Linda, Laura, Luann, Arthur, and Paul — along with their spouses, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she cherished. Dorothy was the last surviving member of her family of siblings, which included her sisters Elvira, Lillian, and Mary, and her brother George.

Dorothy’s greatest joy was simply being with the people she loved — sitting, talking, listening, and always offering something to eat and a hot cup of tea. A talented and intuitive cook, she often expressed her love through food: Sunday afternoons crimping ravioli with her children, and later teaching her grandchildren and other loved ones how to make her perfect pie dough and family favorites like masa and codfish and rice.

She took comfort in life’s simple pleasures — fried clams and walking the Marginal Mile, reading the Boston Globe, reminiscing, and quietly reflecting in her journal. She loved nature and enjoyed walking in the woods, often returning with small, fragrant gifts for the table — tea berries, a sprig of pine, lily of the valley. 

Dorothy met her devoted husband, Arthur Circelli, while he was in the service. Together, they built a life rooted in family and love. Even in her final days, tucked safely in her purse she kept a small photograph of the two of them — a quiet reminder of a love that never left her.

Gentle, wise, humble, and nurturing, Dorothy’s love lives on in the hearts and lives of the family she so deeply cherished.

A private Life Celebration and interment will take place in the spring.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Acton. For Dorothy’s tribute page, visit DeeFuneralHome.com.