Dorothy “Dottie” (Alexander) Salvato, 81, of Burlington, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, September 11, in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Dottie was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Ida (Hall) Alexander. She was born in Woburn, before moving to Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School. She went on to spend many years working within the Woburn Public School system, primarily at the Daniel L. Joyce Middle School. Working in a school environment suited Dottie well, as she possessed a natural ability to care for others and was always willing to lend a hand wherever one was needed.

Dottie met the love of her life, Eddie Salvato, when they were both very young. Eddie knew early on that Dottie was the woman he wanted to spend his life with, so much so that he sold his motorcycle to buy her engagement ring. It proved to be a worthwhile trade. The two were destined for one another and built a beautiful life together, sharing an impressive 58 years of marriage before Eddie’s passing in 2024. Their marriage was one built upon love, commitment, family, laughter, and countless adventures shared side by side.

With Eddie and Dottie working within the school system, summers meant one thing: it was time to travel. They packed up the RV and headed out on adventures across the country, creating wonderful memories along the way. When their children were young, summer vacations often meant camping throughout New Hampshire, visits with Dottie’s sister on Lake Champlain, and the occasional day spent out on the boat. It mattered less where they were going than where they were going together. Those trips became an important part of their family story and provided memories that would last a lifetime.

Dottie was a loving and devoted mother. Family always came first for Dottie. She would happily go without something herself if it meant her children could have what they needed, and every so often, what they simply wanted. Their happiness and well-being were always more important to her than her own.

That devotion only grew when Dottie became a grandmother. Her grandchildren brought tremendous happiness into her life, and she and Eddie rarely missed an opportunity to show them just how proud they were. Whether sitting on the sidelines, in the stands, or attending one activity after another, they were familiar and supportive faces at their grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. Dottie treasured those moments and was happiest simply being a part of their lives.

Dottie also absolutely loved crocheting, flea markets were a favorite destination, a friendly competition of playing Bingo with friends and cherished the friendships and laughter that came along with it.

Above all else, Dottie was an extraordinarily selfless woman. She had a habit of putting someone else’s needs ahead of her own, often without giving it a second thought. No matter the circumstances, she seemed capable of finding something positive to hold onto. She approached life with kindness, generosity, resilience, and an appreciation for the people around her.

After nearly six decades of marriage, Dottie deeply felt the loss of her beloved Eddie. There is comfort for those she leaves behind in knowing that a love story that began so many years ago, with a young man willing to sell his motorcycle for an engagement ring, has now come full circle. Dottie leaves behind a family shaped by the love, values, humor, and generosity she and Eddie shared, and a lifetime of memories that will continue to be told and treasured for generations to come.

In addition to her beloved husband Edward, Dottie was predeceased by her siblings, Kenneth Alexander and Barbara Gerakines.

Dottie is survived by her loving children, Michael Salvato and his wife Dannielle of Nashua, NH, Lisa Salvato of Billerica and Edward Salvato and his Wife Wendi of Burlington, six adoring grandchildren, Jacob Burrill, Nicholas Salvato and his wife America, Nicole Jimenez and her husband Juan, Stephanie Cane, Matthew Salvato and Michael Cane, her siblings, Betty Bernier, Harriet Rocheleau and Edwina Berg as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her visiting hours on Thursday, September 17th from 10AM to 11:30AM at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St. Burlington. Her funeral service will follow in the funeral home at 11:30AM Followed by interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington