1925 – 2014

AUBURN — Doris “Dot” Watkins, 88, passed away on Monday, April 7, at the Odd Fellows’ and Rebekahs’ Home of Maine.

A daughter of Elmer and Gladys (Littlefield) White, Doris was born in Auburn on May 6, 1925, and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1943. Upon graduation, she worked at the Auburn Public Library for seven years. On May 21, 1950, she married Alfred Earl Watkins, her husband of 57 years.

In 1950, Doris and Earl started a family business, Quality Dry Cleaners, in Mechanic Falls, and operated it for 16 years. After inheriting the Minot Avenue Laundromat from her parents, they moved their family to Auburn.

She was a Girl Scout leader and volunteer trainer for many years. Doris was actively involved in the Minot Center Grange, and was a member of the Mayflower Society and the United Methodist Church.

She enjoyed creating the perfect moment as her subjects waited and waited for her to focus, and click! She loved being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her hobbies included dog-sitting, plastic canvas and cards.

She is survived by a daughter, Jane Piela and husband Carl, of Lisbon Falls; a daughter, Sharon Johnson and husband, Darryl, of Otisfield; a son, Edward Watkins and wife, Sandy, of Norway; and eight grandchildren: Steven Piela and wife, Kristen, and sons, Jacob and Zachary (great-grandchildren), of New Gloucester; Kathryn Kenny and husband, Scott, and sons, Brady and Kyle (great-grandchildren), of New Gloucester; Andrea Piela of Lisbon Falls; Brendon Johnson of Charlestown, Mass.; Corey Johnson and wife, Colleen, and son, Parker (great-grandchild), of Charlestown, Mass.; Garrick Johnson and fiancée, Gabrielle Bellegarde, of Otisfield; Katelynn and Christopher Watkins; and stepgrandsons, David Anderson and Richard Hodge of Norway.

She was predeceased by her husband, Alfred Earl Watkins; and two sisters, Mildred White and Phyllis Mitchell.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Doris’ life by visiting her guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.