KENNEBUNK – Dorothy H. Matheson passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2026, at her home in Kennebunk, Maine. She was surrounded by the love of her family and the music that she cherished throughout her long and full life.
She was born on March 28, 1929, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was the oldest daughter of George Herbert Roberts and Mary Ferguson (Bryce) Roberts. Dorothy attended schools in the greater Boston area and graduated from Boston University at age 20 with a degree in biology. She went on to complete a professional internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Dorothy joined Gamma Phi Beta at BU and remained devoted to the sorority long after graduation. She served for six years as Province Director, overseeing 14 alumnae chapters in the Northeast and Canada.
Dorothy married Donald Martin Matheson, and together they raised three children during their 38 years of marriage. Always willing to help others, she became an active volunteer in her community as her children grew. Her work with hospice was especially meaningful to her. From 1983 to 1989 she served on the board of Hospice Care, Inc. in Stoneham, Massachusetts, one of the early community-based hospice organizations in the state, and co-chaired three of its annual benefits.
Not long after Dorothy moved from Winchester, Massachusetts, to Kennebunk, Maine, she met Paul Fallon, her beloved partner. Their relationship was based on love and mutual respect, and they enjoyed many common interests including travel, music and dining out. They were devoted to each other and enriched each other’s lives in many ways.
Dorothy was an accomplished musician who excelled at playing the piano. She played professionally for five summer seasons at the former Seascapes Restaurant in Cape Porpoise and shared her musical talent throughout the greater Kennebunk area. For ten years she served on the board of directors of River Tree Arts in Kennebunk. Her love of music and the arts was shared with family and friends throughout her life, bringing those who knew her much joy.
Dorothy had a deep spiritual life and was a faithful member of Saint David’s Episcopal Church in Kennebunk, Maine. It was there that she met some of her closest friends. She was instrumental in forming a group for single women called the Magdalene Circle.
Dorothy’s greatest joy in life was becoming a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Matheson-Burns, and her husband, William; her two sons, Daniel Scott Matheson and his wife, Eliane, and Scott Douglas Matheson and his wife, Victoria; as well as 9 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Malloy; her beloved partner, Paul Fallon; and many dear friends.
Dorothy’s family would like to thank the angel caregivers who provided her with loving care and nourishing meals during the past several years, allowing her to remain in the home she loved.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Saint David’s Episcopal Church, 138 York Street, Kennebunk, Maine 04043.
In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to a charity of your choice.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Dorothy‘s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME.
