Dorene H. (Hayden) McCobb

ORANGE- Dorene (Hayden) McCobb, 103, oldest resident of Orange and recipient of Boston Post Cane, passed away on October 5th at the home of her daughter Elaine and son in law Peter Guertin, where she had been residing for several months.

She was born May 14, 1920 at her grandparents’ farm in New Salem, now land of the MDC Quabbin Reservoir. She was the twin sister of Doris Whitcomb, now deceased. Her parents were Clarence and Edith (Anderson) Hayden.

A life-long resident of Orange and graduated from Orange High School in 1938. She married Ralph McCobb on August 24, 1940, and enjoyed 60 years of marriage until his death in November of 2000. They built their own home and raised their family there.

She leaves two daughters, Elaine Guertin (Peter) of Orange, and Diane Gori (Andrew) of Boxford; four grandchildren, Daniel Guertin of Wendell, Nicole Guertin (Robbie Haigh) of Greenfield, Christopher Gori of San Francisco, CA and Nathaniel Gori (Alison) of Melrose; three great grandchildren, Noelle Haigh, Fiona and Rowan Gori.

Dorene was predeceased by her twin sister, Doris Whitcomb, and a brother, Elwyn Hayden.

Dorene was a member of the First Universalist Church of Orange and Swift River Valley Historical Society. In her early years, she was employed by the Torrington Co. and Orange Garment Co.

She enjoyed many hobbies: quilting, rug braiding, rug hooking, flower gardening, ballroom dancing on Saturday nights, and attending all the area summer band concerts. She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing everything from couch covers to coats and prom dresses. Time spent at the ocean and hikes in the Quabbin Gate 30 was a special treat. However, what she most loved spending time with family, attending her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s musical events, dance recitals and sporting events, etc. She especially loved spending time at her cottage on Sandy Pond in Richmond, NH.

In celebration of her 100th birthday during the COVID pandemic, there was a “drive-by” parade with over 100 participating cars. A special highlight was Rep. Suzannah Whipps obtaining access to Quabbin Gate 30 where she was driven to her former grandparents’ homestead and birthplace.

Dorene will be greatly missed as she was kind, caring, patient, compassionate lady and to know her, was to love her.

A calling hour will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home.

Interment will be in South Cemetery, Orange.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the First Universalist Church, 31, North Main Street, Orange, MA 01364. Most importantly, she would have asked you to perform an act of kindness and make someone smile!

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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