Dorothy “Dody” Perrin October 29, 1934 - May 4, 2025

Dorothy “Dody” Perrin, 90, passed away peacefully at Legend of Allentown on Sunday, May 4, 2025. She was born October 29, 1934, in Oil City, Pennsylvania to James and Florence (Roberts) Graham.  Dody attended Allegheny College prior to graduating from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing in 1957.  After graduation, Dody worked for many years as a nurse and clinical instructor for Oil City Hospital, University Hospital, Cleveland, OH, and several Baltimore area hospitals.  Her marriage to David brought her to Aberdeen, Maryland in 1961 where she raised her family. Dody served as a hospice volunteer and in many positions in her local church.  After retirement, she re-located to the Allentown area. She was a participant in the original Harvard Nurses’ Health Study started in 1976.  She was a long-time member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Emmaus.  Above all, Dody loved her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them.

Dody is survived by her daughter, Mary Patricia Fletcher (Matthew), sister, Mary M. Summers (Gary), grandchildren Lydia, Caroline, and Benjamin and nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband Marlow D. Perrin and brother James W. Graham.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Faith Presbyterian Church, located at 3002 North 2nd Street in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. A calling hour will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.  Stephens Funeral Home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caregivers who not only lovingly cared for Dody but became friends as well.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Nurses’ Health Study, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 263 Huntington Ave #318, Boston, MA  02115; OR Faith Presbyterian Church, PO Box 507, Emmaus, PA 18049.