Dorothy Florence Payette Welch, 95, a resident of Elkins passed from this life early Saturday morning, August 20, 2011 at Colonial Place. God reached for Dorothy’s hand and led her on her celestial journey. She was a woman of great strength and courage, had a love for life, family, and friends, and lived each day with joy and calm dignity. She was born in Cohoes, NY on Thursday, November 4, 1915, a daughter of the late Napoleon and Malvina Payette. She was married to Edwin Wesley Welch on May 5, 1932 who preceded her in death on November 15, 1990. She moved to Elkins from Lake Worth, FL in January 2005 where she lived independently until March 2011. She is survived by one daughter, Joyce Hansen and husband, Donald; four grandchildren, David Hansen and wife, Janet, Andrea Hansen-ford and husband, Edward, Christopher Hansen, and Linda Hansen. Also surviving are four great grandchildren; Brian and Elliott Sipe, Matthew and Patrick Hansen, one great great grandchild, Caysen Hansen, one niece Marjorie Stockwell and husband, Robert, and several cousins, extended family members including the O’Neil family, Mary Lou Fajman, Johnny Dale Sipe, Betty Cato, friends of Lake Worth, FL, a loyal friend, Lillian Agnew, and many friends in Elkins. Dorothy enjoyed music, dancing, reading, raising orchids, golfing, daily walks, and savored all activities of daily living. She was nicknamed “Our Energizer Bunny” by her family. She was a Catholic by faith. At her request, her remains were cremated. A Memorial Service honoring Dorothy’s life will be held at St. Brendan Catholic Church on Friday, September 2, 2011 at 11 AM. The Very Reverend Father Donald X. Higgs V. F. will be the Celebrant. Memorial contributions in honor of Dorothy’s life may be made to: the Elkins-randolph County Senior Center, P.O. Box 727, Elkins, WV 26241.
