Dorothy Rose Dunbar-McManus' Obituary
Dorothy Rose Dunbar McManus
Age 86, of Heritage Springs in Trinity, Florida, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on September 9, 2025, after a brief illness.
Born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1939, Dorothy was the beloved daughter of Josephine Gertrude and Francis Dunbar. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Anne and Jean Dunbar; and her loving husband, Edward McManus.
Dorothy is lovingly remembered by her brothers, Frank and James Dunbar, and Paul Sullivan; her sister-in-law, Betty McManus. The close bond and friendship that she shared with her siblings was beyond special.
She is immeasurably missed by her four beloved children, Laura (William) Friedrich, Paul (Beth) McManus, Lyn (Phil) Nemiccolo, and Karen (Chris) Rich; her cherished grandchildren, Colleen (Jason) Arena, Scott (Laura) Friedrich, Caitlyn McManus, Shannon McManus, Michael and Matthew Nemiccolo, and Sabrina and Ryan Rich; her adored great-grandchildren, Sophia Mowry, Luca and Isabella Arena, and Natalie and Zachary Friedrich; her nieces, Lisa (Thomas) Wild, Bridget (Scott) Fleury, and Molly Dunbar; and her nephews, Jim (Kim) Kaunelis, Steve (John) Kaunelis, and David (Lorraine) Kaunelis.
Dot raised her children in Canton, Massachusetts, with her husband Ed, where she created a warm and loving home. Some of the family’s most cherished memories were made at their lake house on Lake Winnisquam in Belmont, New Hampshire. Summers and weekends there were filled with swimming, boating, blueberry picking, canoeing, board games, card games, ice skating and snowmobiling—simple joys that became treasured family traditions.
After nearly two decades as a dedicated stay-at-home mother, Dorothy returned to school to pursue her education. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Computer Programming, proudly graduating as valedictorian of her local community college—one of the oldest students in her class. Her perseverance and determination were a lasting inspiration to her family.
Dorothy went on to work at Analog Devices, where occasional business trips sparked her love of travel. Soon after, she began journeying the world with her husband Ed, her sister Jean, and her brother Frank. Over the years, Dorothy visited all 50 states and countless foreign countries, filling passports so completely she sometimes needed extra pages. Her travels took her across Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and beyond—including London, Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Scotland, China, Thailand, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, South Korea, Vietnam, Portugal, Egypt, Russia, Israel, Jordan, Peru, Argentina, and many more unforgettable destinations. She loved experiencing different cultures and befriending people all over the world.
A gifted artist with a passion for creating, Dorothy enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, macramé, stained glass, fused glass, jewelry making, painting, pottery, and diamond art. Her home proudly displayed her many works of art alongside the countless treasures she collected from around the world. She loved being surrounded by lots of beautiful things and sharing them with her family and friends.
Dorothy also loved games and gatherings with friends at Heritage Springs. She enjoyed playing bridge, canasta, poker and Rummikub, but most of all she cherished the companionship of the many friends and neighbors who became her extended family.
She was proud to volunteer alongside her daughter Karen with the Ali Spears Foundation, supporting local families affected by pediatric cancer.
Dorothy will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, generosity, adventurous spirit, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She brought joy, color, and sparkle wherever she went and was known for her bold, beautiful jewelry that perfectly matched her outfits and vibrant personality. She lived her life to the fullest, and she deeply touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be missed beyond measure and has left a void in the hearts of the many people who loved her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ali Spears Foundation at https://AliSpears.org, in honor of Dorothy’s giving spirit.
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