Dorothy J. Parry

March 8, 2008

Dorothy J. Parry, 89, formerly of Rt. 11, Adams Center, died Friday at Mercy of Northern New York where she had been a resident for over 2 years.

Mrs. Parry was secretary to the 3 City of Watertown Police Chiefs retiring in 1982.

She was born in Watertown, February 1, 1919, a daughter of Harry and Emma Terrillion Dawson. She graduated from Watertown High School in 1936. Marriages to Gordon Foote in 1939 and David Parry in 1958 ended in divorce.

Mrs. Parry was a secretary at the New York Air Brake from 1953 – 1962 in the accounting office and later with the Watertown Board of Education. Mrs. Parry was appointed stenographer for the city in 1971 and worked with the police department’s investigation’s division.

Promoted to senior stenographer in April of 1973, she became secretary for then Police Chief Joseph C. Loftus and remained secretary for Acting Chief Stephen D. Watson and, until retirement, for Acting Chief John R. Cascanette.

She was a former member of the Adams United Methodist Church. She was the pianist for the musical group, “Dots and Dashes” until the group disbanded in 1989. She was an avid photographer and authored many humorous essay’s.

She is survived by a son Donald G. Foote, Watertown. A daughter and son-in-law, Carole A. and W. Michael Johnson, Dexter. 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren. 2 nieces and several great nieces and nephews. A daughter Linda Foote died in 1961 and a brother, Gene Dawson died in 2000.

The funeral will be Tuesday 11am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brownville, with Rev. Nancy Wichelns, associate pastor officiating. Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery, Town of Watertown. Calling hours are Monday from 2p – 4pm and 7p – 9pm at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown. Contributions may be made to there Alzheimer’s Association of CNY, 120 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601.