TUCSON, Ariz. – Dorothy “Dot” Puiia Swan, 90, formerly of Rumford, Maine, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 23, 2022 while residing at The Cascades of Tucson in Arizona. She was born on June 20, 1932 to James and Irene Legere Arsenault, graduating with the Mexico High School Class of 1950.

Dot married Nicholas J. Puiia, Sr. and together they raised a loving, close knit family of eight children. They would go on together to prosper, working tirelessly in their business, Puiia Hardware & Lumber Company, to provide security for their family, educate their children and help them to a better future. Many will remember her as Nick’s girl Friday at the store, always close by with an answer, or willingly ready to lend a hand.

Whether at the store or at home, Dot amazed everyone with her vitality and vibrancy, usually whistling while she worked. She was a great role model for her beloved children, grandchildren, and all who knew her. She would endear herself to her many nieces and nephews, as well as countless neighborhood and family friends.

Dot will fondly be remembered by most for her genuine kindness, good nature and charming personality. She enjoyed 47 years of marriage with Nick until his passing in 2002. She later married E. Ray Swan of Tucson, Ariz. They would enjoy 16 years of marriage, residing in Tucson and summering in Brunswick, Maine, until his death in 2019. She was also predeceased by her parents, and two brothers, Ernest A. and Norman J. Arsenault.

Survivors include her children, Nick Jr. and wife Kim of The Villages, Fla., John and wife Judi of Tucson, Ariz., Jim and fiancé Jennifer Meade of Baltimore, Md., Tom and wife Linda of Rumford, Maine, Carlo and wife Paula of Rumford, Maine, Mary LaPointe and husband Robert of Rumford, Maine, Catherine Frechette and husband Gary of Biddeford, Maine, and Susan Puiia and partner Robert Chambers of Stratford, Conn.; a brother James Arsenault and wife Judy of Dixfield, Maine, and a sister Janette Orino and husband Ted of Rumford, Maine; and her many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited share memories with the family at http://www.meaderandson.com.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. on Monday Oct. 17, 2022 at the Parish of the Holy Savior St Athanasius St John Church 126 Maine Ave, Rumford. Interment will be in St John Cemetery in Rumford. Friends and family are invited to call at the Meader & Son Funeral Home 3 Franklin St Rumford, on Sunday Oct. 16, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers,

please contribute to:

Greater Rumford

Community Center

50 Congress St.

Rumford, ME 04276

in her memory

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