NORTH ANDOVER — Dorothy Ann (Dot) (Hurrell) Bishop passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Joseph F. Bishop, with whom she celebrated 65 years of marriage on July 22.
She was born in Lawrence, Oct. 21, 1918, daughter of the late James and Louisa Hurrell, and was educated in the Lawrence School System. She graduated from Lawrence High School, Class of 1936.
Prior to her marriage, she worked in the payroll department at the former Pacific Mill. In her early years, Dot was a Sunday school teacher and member of the choir at Riverside Church. As a young adult, she enjoyed singing on the radio. She later shared her wonderful musical gifts at St. Michael's Church in North Andover in the choir, and as the church organist for nearly 30 years. She was also a member of the Organist Guild. She was an active member of the St. Michael's church community and cherished her many church friends. Most important in her life was her family.
After she married she became a full-time homemaker and a loving mother. She loved to sew and bake and worked hard to make a comfortable home for her family. Every week she had extended family over for Sunday dinner. She was a caring individual who always tried to ease the burdens of others. She had three bouts with cancer, and was an example of courage in the face of uncertainty. She was a woman of strong faith. The family treasures the memory of songfests with Mom at the piano, with family members and many friends gathered round. She enjoyed family vacations at Siesta Key, Fla., and Ogunquit, Maine. She was a devoted mother, sister, aunt, daughter, and daughter-in-law. In her later years, her grandchildren were the joy of her life.
She is survived by daughters, Donna Bishop of Lowell, Louise Henderson and her husband Robert of Andover, and Barbara Hyzdu and her husband Scott of North Andover; grandchildren, Andrew Henderson and his wife Julia of North Andover, Douglas Henderson and his wife Ivana of North Andover, Dana Henderson of Connecticut, and Gregory and Matthew Hyzdu of North Andover. She was also blessed with a great-grandchild, Silas Henderson of North Andover; numerous nephews and nieces; her best friend, Marion Owens, and many other friends and relatives who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Bill, Sid, and Dick Hurrell, Louise (Hurrell) Lord, and Elsie (Terry) (Hurrell) Lehane; and by her infant son, Andrew Joseph.
ARRANGEMENTS: A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Church. Burial will follow in Ridgewood Cemetery in North Andover. Family and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours on Tuesday, Aug. 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Conte Funeral Home, 17 Third St., North Andover. Memorial contributions in Dorothy's name may be made to St. Michael's Church, Main Street, North Andover, MA 01845. For directions or to offer on line condolences please visit www.contefuneralhomes.com.
