PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Dorothy Elaine Forrest, 72, of Pittsfield, Mass. passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 31, 2022, after a valiant battle with breast cancer.

Dot was born in Waterville on Jan. 25, 1950, to Francis and Verna Gagnon. She moved to Pittsfield in 1967 from Portland and graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1968, later receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from Boston State College in 1973. She dedicated 33 years to preserving and reuniting families with the Berkshire County office of the Department of Children and Families.

A longtime member of the Springside Greenhouse Group, Dot loved her plants so much she became a Master Gardener in retirement, as well as volunteering at Habitat for Humanity, and taking care of her grandchildren. She loved music and to travel, spending lots of time in her home state of Maine, visiting her children and grandchildren, and traveling internationally. Her love of food and cooking influenced her travels.

Dot is survived by her children, Kathleen, Allison, and John-Michael; their father John P. Forrest; and her grandchildren Justin, Carter, Jack, Shyanne, and Takki; as well as her brother F. Scott Gagnon and her sister Barbara Gagnon DiPietro. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Carol, and brother Eric.

The center of the family, Mom called it like she saw it and didn’t put up with any nonsense. She found joy in taking care of her family, and her presence and generosity will be deeply missed.

Calling hours for Dorothy will be Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield MA 01201. Due to the recent rise in Covid cases, to best ensure everybody’s health, all who attend are required to wear face masks. A Celebration of Dot’s Life will be held at a later date.

Please visit http://www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrances.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: the Springside Greenhouse Group, the Western Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association, or the Elizabeth Freeman Center, in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home

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