God sent His angels early Thursday Morning, May 15, to escort Dorothy Canzater home.  Dorothy (Dot or Dottie) as many called her was born on February 27, 1938, to the late David and Conree McCray in Timmonsville, SC.  The 2nd oldest of 5 girls. After the passing of her mother at 36 yrs old, Her aunt and uncle, Evelyn and Quincy McCray played a major part in raising the 5 girls.   She was very tall for her age and was often teased about her height.  She never let that bother her.  She became captain of her basketball team and played softball.  She also participated in the 4H camp for kids.  Dorothy graduated from Bethel High School in Blythewood, SC in 1954.  At the age of 18, she married the love of her life, Nathaniel Canzater on Christmas Day in 1955.  Nat, as many called him, came to Boston, found a job and an apartment and sent for his bride and made Roxbury, MA, their home.  As a result of that union, 3 children were born, Donnie, (Nathan), Debra & Al.  Dot was a hard worker and held many jobs, sometimes 3 at one time.  Nat and Dot were a team and did everything together and worked hard to provide for their growing family.  She received certification in Data Entry and obtained a job at Commercial Union Insurance Co. In Boston.  Dorothy worked her way up from Data Entry Assistant in 1970 to Production Controller, and then to Production Acceptance Technician where she  checked documentations for technical and logistical errors and researched data processing practices  to make sure they were in accordance with data center standards.  She retired from Commercial Union in 2000 and bought herself a brand-new Lincoln Mercury.  Dorothy was a woman of God who prayed with and for her family and friends.  She had an extreme love for sports, did I say sports.....ALL Sports...If I wanted her attention while a game was on, I had to call out a player's name to get her attention.  She was very active in the community and played tennis at the Franklin Field Tennis Court.  She was head of the hospitality committee for our Community Watch group (FFSNA).  Dot was a member and the secretary of Club Oasis of Boston for as long as we can remember. She was also the secretary of NACWC (National Association of colored Women Club).  The members met once a month and rotated at each other's, house.  Dot loved dancing and whenever she heard the Bus Stop song, she was the 1st one on the dance floor.  Dot and Nat loved to travel and have been around the Globe from the Caribbean to Europe and let's not forget the numerous cruises.   They also went camping at least twice a year.  She also had a vacation home in Las Vegas and spent winter months there with her sisters and friends.  While in Vegas she joined the social group RED HATS and the African American Heritage Club.  She had love for everyone and a heart of gold.  Our house had an open door policy.  We often wondered where the vacancy sign was located hanging at our house so we could take it down.  She and Nat had a love for cooking and were great at it.  All the holidays were held at our house because of the love and good eats, and you better NOT GET A PAPER PLATE.  Paper plates were for cookouts.  Ma, as we called her was the Matriarch of the family, but she was Ma to our many friends also.  Sometimes the pain goes too deep for words.  This is one of those times.  Our lives will be forever changed because of her absence.  Ma was preceded in death by, parents, her husband, Nathaniel Canzater, and older sister, Betty West (Kenny West) of Philadelphia.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her 3 children, Donnie Canzater (Vanessa), Debra Canzater, Al Canzater (Regina) 3 sisters, Quinnie McCray of Boston, Margaret Robinson, Wellesley, MA and Daisy Bellamy of Philadelphia, 5 grandchildren, Jermal Dubose (Tonya) of Louisanna, Kimmy Poole of Florida, Donnie Canzater, Jr, Boston, Lisa Canzater, Florida and Jessica Canzater Zapata (Sonny) of Florida.  7 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren and best friend, Beverly Browne of Bridgewater, MA and many, many nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.