WEST ROCKPORT — Dorothy Ellen Hamalainen, 90, of West Rockport, died March 2, 2013, at Anderson Inn at Quarry Hill, where she had resided for several years. Born in Rockland Dec. 14, 1922, she was the daughter of Henry Lamson and Gladys E. (Maxcy) Keller.

Dot grew up on the family farm where they raised dairy cows, sheep and hens, planted and harvested a large vegetable garden, and grew strawberries and raspberries. She attended West Rockport Elementary School and was a graduate of Rockport High School, class of 1941. On Oct. 10, 1942, she married a childhood friend, David E. Hamalainen, at the West Rockport Baptist Church. When David and his twin brother were 8 years old, they were invited by Mrs. Keller to see Dot, the newborn in the baby carriage.

David and Dot first lived in Portland, during World War II, where David worked in the shipyard as a welder until the yard closed. They then moved to West Rockport, where they raised their two sons, Donald and Robert.

Dot trained at Knox County General Hospital's nursing school. She worked there and also as a charge nurse for many years at the Camden Community Hospital.

Dot's memberships included the Rockland Congregational Church, the Mt. Pleasant Grange and the West Rockport 4-H Extension, where she taught sewing. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and hooking rugs. She was the founding treasurer of the West Rockport Cemetery Association and held many bake sales over the years to raise money for the cemetery.

Dot loved being outside and had always enjoyed riding her bicycle. After she retired, she was very proud to receive a license to operate a motorcycle. As long as it was not raining, Dot looked forward to getting out on the scooter every chance she had, doing errands throughout Knox County.

Her final years were spent at Anderson Inn, where she received loving and compassionate care from the many caregivers. Dot embodied gratitude. She was always grateful for whatever life brought her and never had any complaints.

Surviving are her two sons, Donald H. Hamalainen and his wife, Carol, of Yarmouth, and Robert W. Hamalainen and his wife, Pat, of West Rockport; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a nephew, Hartwell Dowling and his wife, Annabelle, of Rockport; a niece, Nancy Dowling and her husband, Jeff Lord, of Hope; and a very special great-niece, Mariel Dowling. She was predeceased by her husband, David E. Hamalainen; her sister, Arlene Keller; and a daughter-in-law, Jean Hamalainen.

A graveside service will be announced at a later date.

If desired memorial gifts may be made in her memory to the Abiding Memorial Fund, Rockland Congregational Church, P.O Box 554, Rockland, ME 04841.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting their book of memories at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Camden.