VINALHAVEN – Dorothy P. Swanson, 99, died peacefully, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, at Ivan Calderwood Homestead on Vinalhaven. 

Born June 12, 1913, on Vinalhaven, she was the daughter of Herbert H. and Minnie Osgood Pelkey. Educated locally, Dorothy graduated from Vinalhaven High School. 

Dorothy married Fred Swanson and together they had one son, Philip. At the onset of World War II, Dorothy went with others from Vinalhaven to Worcester, Mass., in search of work.  She stayed there for several years working for the Norton Company. It was there that she joined the group the “Fish Hawks,” all Vinalhaven residents who had moved together. Over the years she enjoyed going to their annual meetings, and eventually that meeting was held in Florida, where several members had moved permanently. 

Dorothy returned to Vinalhaven in the mid-1970s and began the full-time job of raising her son and caring for her family. 

She loved being outdoors and enjoyed walking the beaches of the island. 

Mrs. Swanson was predeceased by her husband, Fred Swanson; and an infant daughter. She is survived by her son, Philip Swanson of Vinalhaven; and a cousin, Bob Hartman and his wife, Mary, of Florida. 

At Mrs. Swanson’s request, no services will be held. Private interment was held in Cummings Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vinalhaven Eldercare Services, P.O. Box 624, Vinalhaven, ME 04863.  

To share a memory or condolence with the Swanson family, please visit her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. 

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.