Dorothy Barbara (McKinnon) Petroni, 81, of Walpole passed away peacefully on May 24 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham following a long illness. Dottie was the loving wife of Richard J. Petroni for the past 60 years.

Born in Boston, September 2, 1944, the daughter of the late Michael and Dorothy (Malcolm) McKinnon, Dottie was raised in Sharon, a graduate of Sharon High School and had lived in Walpole since 1971.

Dottie graduated Southwood Community Hospital School of Practical Nursing as an LPN in 1983.

Dottie truly loved being a nurse. She had a special gift in caring for the elderly in many nursing homes in the local area until her retirement in 2020.

Prior to Dottie obtaining her nursing license, she was a stay-at-home mom until her children were of school age and then worked part-time mothers’ hours at the A&P Supermarket and the Hi-Lo Supermarket in Walpole.

Through the years, Dottie held many mom titles: Cub Scouts den mother, Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader, homeroom mother, cheerleader and confidant, to name a few. As her children grew older and took interest in activities you would often find her at a ball field, skating rink, swimming pool, practice field, band concert or anywhere her children were, feverishly cheering them on.

Dottie would also join her husband on fence delivery trips up and down the east coast. She referred to these trips as “trucking” and brought her much happiness and great joy.

In her later years, Dottie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, watching Boston sporting events alongside her husband and pups and catching the occasional Hallmark movie in the comfort of her home.

In addition to her husband, Dottie is survived by her children, Richard Petroni, Jr. and his wife Susan of Framingham, Terese Petroni of Plainville and Jayson Petroni and his wife Karen of Walpole.

Dottie was the loving Nonni to Isabella and Rocco Petroni.

Dottie was preceded in death by her nine siblings Michael F. Jr. (Mona), Francis X. Sr. (Barbara), Gerald C. Sr. (Dolly), Robert M. (Carol), Denise Anthony (John), Ann-Marie Neault (Eugene), Lorraine DeFelice (Edward), Patricia M. Durgin (Thomas), Kevin McKinnon (Susan).

Dottie was the cherished daughter-in-law of the late Mary and Lili Petroni and a dear sister-in-law to Mildred and Gerald Gaudreau of Foxboro. Dottie is survived by many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday June 24 at the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home 1248 Washington Street, Norwood at 12:00pm.

Visitation will be on Wednesday June 24 from 11:00-12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dottie’s memory to:

Tufts Veterinary Emergency & Treatment Specialties, 525 South Street, Walpole MA 02081.