Published November 8, 2019
MALDEN — Doreen E. (Shediac) Lam, 72, a longtime resident of Malden, passed away at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, on Sunday, November 3, 2019.
Born in Boston on July 29, 1947, Doreen was the daughter of the late L. Arthur, and G. Ida (Forcillo) Shediac. She was raised in Somerville where she graduated from St. Joseph’s High School. Doreen was married in 1967 and settled in Melrose to raise a family of two children. Doreen received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Salem State College in 1992.
Caring and patient, Doreen made an impact on seniors while working and volunteering in many organizations. In her 30 year career, Doreen worked in a variety of elderly care positions, all in an effort to help those in need. For several years, she volunteered at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading. After receiving her degree in social work, Doreen worked as a Social Worker at Shapiro-Rudolph Adult Day Center in Peabody where she made many dear and lasting friendships. After working at the Dutton Adult Day Center in Wakefield for several years, she retired to spend more time with her family.
Doreen was an active participant and volunteer at the Milano Senior Center for many years. She served as the “Friendly Visitor Coordinator” and coordinated the Teen-Aging Program which matched teens with elders for assistance with household work or errands for many years. Later, she worked every Friday as the Senior Center social worker using her caring nature and open heart to help anyone in need.
While raising her children, Doreen volunteered as a Camp Fire Leader for several years, and took pride in cooking Sunday dinners for her family. In her free time, Doreen enjoyed gardening, baking, drawing, and making stained glass. She also enjoyed attending theatre productions with her family and friends. After living in Melrose for many years, Doreen moved to Malden in 1998.
Doreen loved spending time near the ocean. Along with her longtime best friend, Kay Gilardi, she enjoyed summer trips to Rockport to sit on the beach with a good book. Later in life, she enjoyed vacations with her family to York, Maine.
Selfless and giving, Doreen was very generous and was always willing to help. She will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered for her caring heart, and unconditional support for those in need.
Doreen was the wife of Joseph F. Lam with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Jodie Ann Watson, and Christopher Lam. Cherished grandmother of Cole Watson. Former mother-in-law of Dennis Watson.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Doreen’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Nov. 7 and again on Friday before leaving in procession to St. Joseph’s Church, 770 Salem St., Malden for her funeral Mass. Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Gifts to honor her legacy may be made to the Doreen Lam Social Work Scholarship Fund at Salem State University, https://participate.salemstate.edu/doreen For directions or online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
