WILLISTON, Vt. — Dorothy A. Leavitt, 83, of South Burlington, Vt., died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Vermont Respite House following a long illness.

She was born Feb. 26, 1929, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of the late Thomas and Bertha (Tankey) Levi. She lived most of her life in Maine, and moved to Vermont nine years ago.

Dorothy graduated from Central Maine General Hospital School of Nursing with a registered nursing degree. She was employed for many years as a nurse at Thayer Hospital in Waterville, and as a school nurse with SAD 49 in Fairfield.

She was married to John R. Leavitt, who predeceased her Dec. 27, 1985.

Dorothy’s main interest in life was her close family. She loved getting cards and postcards from her children and grandchildren. Art was a love of hers. Not only did she enjoy painting watercolors, but also she enjoyed visiting art museums. She loved to travel, but her favorite places were the coast of Maine and sitting on the porch of the Lake Mansfield Trout Club. Dodie had a soft spot in her heart for all dogs especially Gertie. Everyone knew that she had a very particular sweet tooth. She rarely gave a pardon to those who brought her chocolate other than her favorite “dark” chocolate.

Dorothy is survived by her three children, Dr. Bruce Leavitt and his wife, Anne, of South Burlington, Vt., Debra Leavitt and her partner, David Gardiner, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Patricia Leavitt of Moultonborough, N.H.; nine grandchildren, John, Allison, Haley, Dylan, Adam, Samuel, Spenser, Jessyca and Keegan; two cousins, Nancy Joyce and Joan Tankey of Maine; and her sister-in-law and her husband, Lorraine and Thomas Donaldson, from Maryland.

She was also predeceased by her daughter, Frances Leavitt Flanders; and her sister, Mildred Levi Carter.

Dorothy’s family would like to offer their sincere thanks for the respectful and exceptional care provided by the staff of Pillsbury Manor and the Vermont Respite House. Her family would also like to thank her physicians including Drs. Mark Pitcher, Jaina Clough, Mark Capeless, Robert Hamill, Neil Hyman and James Hebert.

Online condolences may be sent to www.readyfuneral.com.