Dorothy Marie "Dot" Allard

Dorothy “Dot” Marie Allard passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, at Sunrise of Plymouth Beach Assisted Living, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 98 years old.

Dot was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on November 21, 1927, to Arthur Burke and Margaret (Owen) Seavey. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 55 years, Georges F. Allard, with whom she shared a deep and lasting partnership. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Jack Burke, Paul Burke, and Billy Burke, and by her sister, Pat Steel. She is survived by her sister-in-law Freda Burke and her half-brother, Jack Lichtenstein, and his wife, Susan.

To know Dot was to know a woman of strength, conviction, and deep devotion to the people she loved. Family was always at the center of her life. She was a loving and dedicated mother to her three children: her daughter, Michèle DeGeorge of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Michèle’s late husband, Thomas Sr.; her daughter, Janine Hoidahl of Naples, Florida, and her husband, Randy; and her son, Georges R. Allard of Ridgeland, South Carolina, and his wife, Sharon. She was also a proud grandmother to Thomas DeGeorge Jr., Kerin Smith, Michael DeGeorge, Kaitlin Lee, and Monique Lee, and a loving step-grandmother to eight step-grandchildren. Her family was one of her greatest joys, and she was blessed to see it grow to include eight great-grandchildren: Sean Smith, Ryan Smith, Iain Smith, Owen Smith, Annie Le, Emilia DeGeorge, Rachel Le, and Hayden DeGeorge.

Dot lived a long life, but more importantly, she lived a full one. She and Georges made their home in Needham, Massachusetts, where they raised their children and created a home grounded in faith, structure, and love. Summers in Mashpee on Cape Cod became part of the fabric of family life, filled with togetherness, tradition, and memories that will remain treasured forever.

She was a woman of faith who raised her family in the Episcopal Church and taught her children, both by word and by example, to be honest, responsible, hardworking, and kind. She believed in doing what was right, in contributing something good to the world, and in carrying yourself with integrity. Her standards were high. The lessons she passed on—to work hard, care for family, be strong, and live with principle—became part of the foundation her children and grandchildren carry with them to this day.

Dot was also a woman of remarkable perseverance. She worked for New England Telephone & Telegraph Company in Newton, Massachusetts, beginning as a switchboard operator and, through years of dedication and determination, worked her way up to an administrative position. She took pride in doing things well and giving her best, whether at work, at home, or in service to the people in her life.

In her free time, Dot found joy in creating. She sewed and knitted clothing, and in retirement she lovingly designed and made countless quilts for family and friends. Each stitch was an expression of her care, and those quilts remain a lasting reminder of the warmth she gave so freely. She was also known for her “healthy” cooking and baking—another way she nurtured the people around her.

Dot will be remembered for the strength that carried her through life, the values she held firmly, and the deep love she gave to her family. She was a steady presence, a guiding force, and the heart of so many family memories. Her life was one of devotion—to her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and the home and family she built with such care. She leaves behind not only memories, but a legacy of love, resilience, faith, and family that will live on in all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Saturday, July 25, at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/donate)

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