Hadley, MA – Dorothy (Gulezian) Pinigis passed away peacefully in Hadley, MA on July 27, 2026. Born on August 28, 1929 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the daughter of George and Anna (Komantus) Gulezian, Dorothy spent her early years on her Uncle Dick and Aunt Jane’s farm in Dracut MA. She attended Lawrence schools, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1947. In 1951 she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Lowell State Teacher’s College (now University of Massachusetts Lowell).
She was active in the Knights of Lithuania and when a job opened up in Athol, she was welcomed into the local chapter. She taught third grade at Sanders Street School for four years. In November 1954 she married Casimir (Charlie) Pinigis; they moved into their house on Ella Street in 1956 where they would raise their five children and remain until Charlie’s death in 2013. Dorothy spent her later years in Amherst, MA to be near family.
Despite not being able to drive she was very involved in her children’s activities including Cub Scouts and Campfire Girls. She continued as a substitute teacher at Silver Lake and Riverbend Schools. For many years, she taught catechism at St. Francis of Assisi. Dorothy was an heirloom quilter and a prolific letter writer, corresponding with penpals and family regularly. She was an honorary member of the Athol High School Class of 1941, assisting her husband with reunion events. She enjoyed travelling with Charlie and visiting her children and grandchildren across the country.
She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Casimir Pinigis. She is survived by five children, Marianne Duncanson and husband Andrew of Pearland, TX, Sally Miller and husband Christopher of Woodstock, VT, Peter Pinigis and wife Mary of Eustis, FL, Paul Pinigis and wife Elisa of Austin, TX and Margaret Nunnelly and husband John of Amherst, MA, as well as her ten grandchildren, Ian (Alison) Duncanson, Claire (Tim) Clarke, Katherine Miller, Elizabeth (Maurica) Miller, Margaret (Blake) Minchoff, Neil (Jess Finney) Pinigis, Evan (Rina) Pinigis, Emily Pinigis, David Nunnelly, Laura (Micah) Isser and ten great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 10:00 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 101 Main Street, Athol.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Athol High School Scholarship Association and can be mailed to P.O. Box 338 Athol, MA 01331.
Condolences may be offered at www.douglassfuneral.com.
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