Dorothy (Dottie) Stevens, 94, of Lexington, MA, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, following a long journey with dementia. Dottie, the daughter of John (Jack) and Dorothy (McCaffrey) Sullivan, was born in Cambridge and raised in Waltham. In 1950, she graduated from Waltham High School, where she forged many lifelong friendships. Later, as a proud alum, she helped to organize several class reunions. Dottie continued her education at Cambridge City Hospital’s nursing program with her best friend, Suzette (Bonfilio) Demarais, at her side. She became a registered nurse, a profession she loved and embodied throughout her life as a hardworking, empathetic caregiver for her patients, family, friends and community.

Dottie was kind and happy and had a way of making everyone feel important. She adored the color red and her Irish heritage. She was long standing member of Lexington Golf Club, where she enjoyed countless rounds with family and friends. Given her warmth, smile and familiar laugh, everyone cherished Dottie, especially the family dogs, whose tails always wagged the hardest when she walked through the door.

Dottie was an artist and an art collector with a true eye for design and beauty, filling her lovely home with diverse artwork, mainly from Rockport and Gloucester. A great cook, she loved hosting parties and holidays, creating treasured memories for her family. She was also famously neat and enjoyed doing laundry, even while visiting a loved one’s home.

As a young nurse, Dottie met the love of her life, James (Jim) Stevens, from Lexington. They were married in 1956 and raised their young family in Lexington, while spending summers in Gloucester at Wingaersheek Beach, a place dear to Dottie’s heart.

In 1969, Jim and Dottie moved their family to Marietta, Georgia, where her happy and friendly nature led to more lifelong friends. After 10 years in Georgia, Dottie returned to Lexington and Resumed her nursing career, as a school nurse for the Waltham public schools.

Throughout the years, Dottie loved spending her free time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. From traveling to see them in Georgia or just around the corner at home, Gramma always arrived with a smile, often wearing her signature red vest and matching lipstick. She loved cheering them on at their activities and brought such joy to their everyday lives.

Dottie was an amazing mother of seven, grandmother of fourteen and great-grandmother of eight, soon to be nine, and she will be deeply missed. She is survived by her loving children: William Stevens of Atlanta, GA; Catherine Stevens of Canton, GA; Janice Justice and her husband, Rob, of Lexington, MA; Paula Boland and her husband, Rich, of Jacksonville Beach, FL; Maureen Surette and her husband, David, of Gloucester, MA; and Michael Stevens and his wife, Carolyn, of Lexington, MA. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Andrea Gardner (Justice) and her husband Matt, Jack Justice and his wife Andrea, Caroline Justice; Rich Boland and his wife Kelly, Shea Boland, Margo Boland; Kyle Schmutzler and his fiancé Jamie, Jake Schmutzler; Stefan Surette and his wife Vanessa, Trevor Surette, Audrey Bucci (Surette) and her husband Andrew; Madison Marchant (Stevens) and her husband Louis, John Stevens and his fiancé Maria, and Jillian Stevens. The arrival of Dottie’s great-grandchildren, Catherine, Molly and Will Gardner; Leona Schmutzler; Sofia Justice; and Declan, Stevie and Johnnie Boland, brought renewed love, joy and laughter to her final years.

Dottie is survived by her brother, Leo Sullivan, and his wife Rosalie (Cookie) of Medford, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her dear son, Thomas Stevens; her former husband, Jim Stevens; and her brothers, John and William Sullivan.

Dottie’s family would like to express heartfelt gratitude for her amazing caregivers, Cindy Gilpin, who cared for Dottie lovingly for over 6 years, and the incredible staff at both Windrose at Woburn and All Care Hospice.

A Memorial Mass will be held Monday October 26 at St. Brigid Church, 1981 Mass. Ave. Lexington at 11am. Visitation immediately prior to the Mass at Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington from 9:30am to 10:45am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Interment at Westview Cemetery, Lexington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dottie’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at Alzheimer's Association or to All Care Hospice, c/o Development Office, 210 Market Street, Lynn, MA 01901.