Dorothy E. (Hunkler) Purinton

East Charlemont, MA - Beloved mother Dorothy E. “Dottie” (Hunkler) Purinton, 90, passed away on June 14, 2024 (Bud's birthday), surrounded by all her children in the home she lived her entire life (except a few years being rebuilt after a fire) on West Ox-bow Road. Dottie was born in Adams, MA on June 18, 1933 the daughter of the late Lawrence and Eva (Leazer) Hunkler. Dottie attended the Little Red Schoolhouse in East Charlemont for 6 years and graduated from Charlemont High School class of 1951.      

As a teenager, Dottie started working at the Red Rose Motel in East Charlemont and after finishing High School she was employed at Kendall Mills. When Dottie became a full time Mom, she continued working in various places to help with household expenses. She was such a hard worker, never complained and instilled those values in her children/grandchildren.

Dottie was a caring, loving role model for several children in the neighborhood over many years and became well known as “MamaDot."  Evan Heinle gave her that nickname and he was always such a big part of her life (even as an adult). She impacted other children as well, including Eben, Elizabeth, Tim, Meredith (plus others). Dottie was always willing to help others but with such humbleness. She was the most kind, concerned, thoughtful and considerate person. Dottie regularly welcomed family and friends (without hesitation) into her home with a warm smile, definitely showing her good-natured side. Dottie was a dedicated member of the Charlemont Federated Church. She found so much joy in helping her church family and the community, by volunteering in a number of ways. Dottie loved knitting and made numerous prayer shawls along with the church knitting group. These were then given to anyone that needed some extra comfort. Dottie obtained her driver’s license on her father’s “36” Ford (at 18, to drive to NYC) and had a lifelong love for automobiles. She enjoyed every Shelburne Falls Military Band concert and was fond of the Mohawk Trail Concerts. A little-known fact, Dottie took reservations for MTC in her home starting in 1970 when they began.    

Dottie is survived by 4 children;  a son Jeffrey Purinton (Barbara E. Shaw, late wife) (Donna Gordon, friend) of Manchester, NH;  3 daughters, Donna Dushane of North Adams, MA; Joan Ward of Charlemont, MA; Karen Jackman (Brian) of Bourne, MA;  3 grandchildren Melissa, Heather and Paul;  3 bonus step grandchildren Jillianne, Jessy-Lyn and Jennilee;  2 great-grandchildren, Kayla and Kasen. 

Dottie was predeceased by her husband of 63+ years, Horace G. “Bud” Purinton on February 12, 2017 (married on 9/27/1953);  a sister Rosemarie Churchill;  a brother Lawrence F. Hunkler;  and a daughter Carol Veda (died at birth on their anniversary 9/27/1956).  

A Memorial Service to celebrate Dottie’s life will be held on July 27, 2024 at 10:30am at the Charlemont Federated Church, 175 Main St, Charlemont, MA 01339. Private burial will be held at a later date.   

Many thanks to Hospice of the Fisher Home. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions in Dorothy’s name may be made to either the Charlemont Federated Church, Hospice or the Shelburne Falls Military Band, c/o Paul Willis, 253 Ashfield Road, Buckland, MA  01338.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy E. (Hunkler) Purinton, please visit our floral store.