ADAMS, Mass. — Dorothy Helen (Rolniak) Roulier of Adams, Mass., passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side on the afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, after a long, courageous journey with cancer.

She was born March 6, 1939, in Adams to Jacob and Helen (Presnal) Rolniak. She graduated from Adams Memorial High School in 1957. 

She married Navy Veteran Joseph Arthur Roulier of Adams on May 19, 1962, at Notre Dame Church in Adams, on one of the town's hottest temperature days on record. They met on a blind date arranged by Joe’s cousin, Leonard Turgeon, for whom Dot worked as a secretary. Leonard believed Dot and Joe would be a perfect match, and he was right. They hit it off immediately and remained happily married for more than 55 years. 

In addition to her husband, Dorothy is survived by three loving sons, Stephen of Southwick, Mass., and his girlfriend, Lori Schick, David, of Framingham, Mass., and his wife, Sharlene, and Paul, of Rehoboth, Mass., and his wife, Rose. She also is survived by five grandchildren, Stephanie and Sarah Roulier of Feeding Hills, Mass., Brienne Roulier of Framingham, Mass., and Joshua and Noah Roulier of Rehoboth, Mass.; four step-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Thomas, Jayme and Mary; three step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

A brother, Daniel Rolniak, predeceased Dorothy in 2000. 

While she devoted most of her time to her family, she worked for a while as a secretary at GE, and then at North Adams Hospital when her boys were older. She retired in 1988. 

Later in life, Dot and Joe were able to spend time traveling throughout the United States and Canada in their motorhome. They eventually settled on Country Club Manor in Eustis, Fla., as their winter home. There they enjoyed some dear friends, new neighbors, and cousins, such as Peggy and Tony Biagini, and frequented the not-to-be-missed Tuesday night ice cream socials, for more than 20 winters.

When in Adams, she enjoyed making multiple trips a day up and down Orchard Street to the supermarket - whether it be for ingredients for dinner for Joe and the family, for her favorite baking recipes - especially Scotcheroos for her grandchildren, or just for a thoughtful card to send to a dear friend. One of those trips was memorable and provided some great laughs when she rode down to the market with the family cat on the roof.

Dorothy enjoyed volunteering, whether at the Notre Dame Church Bazaar or other fundraisers, or at hospitals locally and in Florida. She also loved spending time knitting, reading, gardening, and bird watching - especially Mr. and Mrs. C (her cardinal friends) and the hummingbirds who regularly would come visit at her feeders both in Adams and in Florida.

But most importantly, Dorothy enjoyed life by making others happy. She will be remembered most for her unselfish desire to help, and to care for others. She dedicated her life to her family and friends. Her giving and loving spirit and her always present smile will be missed and remembered by all.

She was a communicant of the Parish of St. John Paul II in Adams.

Funeral notice: The funeral will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at 10:30  a.m. from the Paciorek Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Adams. This may allow for Dorothy’s family and friends time to get ready to watch the Patriots, one of her favorite teams, win yet another Super Bowl the next day. Burial will be at a later date in the spring.

Calling hours are Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, hug a family member or friend and tell them how much you love them, don’t be afraid to bring back a gift or something you purchased if it isn’t just right, make and enjoy a cup of hot tea, and give to the charity of your choice that is near and dear to your heart.