Dorothy M. (VanLoon) Cirome, age 92 of Salem passed away Thursday, December 29, 2016.  Originally from Somerville, "Dot" was the eldest of her three siblings William Croke, Thomas Blake and her surviving sister Ruth Fyfe from their late parents William and Mildred (Drew) Croke.  Dot is predeceased by her first husband John "Dutch" VanLoon whom fathered their five children.  Dot remarried and was later predeceased by Frank Cirome, the father of her two youngest daughters.  She was the loving mother of seven children, Jayne VanLoon, Judi VanLoon-Hussey, John "Joey" VanLoon, William "Billy" VanLoon, Kimberly "Kim" VanLoon, Lori (Cirome) Dodge and Lisa (Cirome) Ginivisian.  Dot was the mother-in-law to Ellen VanLoon, David Hussey and David Ginivisian as well as the late Laurie VanLoon and the late Chuck Dodge all of whom she loved as her own children. Dot is survived by eleven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, her sister Ruth and beloved pets Charlie and Phil.

Best known as "Mama, Mom or Nana", she spent most of her life taking care of her children and grandchildren. Dot was the heart of her home and embraced her family and friends with unconditional love and acceptance.  Over the years, Dot hosted many parties and Sunday dinners for her family and friends and would not hesitate to put another place setting on the table when unexpected guests dropped in.  Dot had a passion for music, dancing and the arts. She sang songs from the likes of Billie Holiday and recorded her music in a live studio with friend Richard DiSimone.  Dot's artwork consisted of drawings and pastels that captured the portraits of some of her favorite celebrities as well as her grandchildren.  Dot was a strong, endearing woman with an uplifting spirit. Among her many expressions, she often told her family to "stop and take time to smell the roses."  She will forever be in the hearts and fondest memories of all who knew her.

Visiting hours for Dorothy will take place on Thursday January 5, 2017 from 4 to 8PM at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (corner of North St.), Salem, MA 01970.  A memorial Mass will be held at 11AM on Friday January 6, 2017 at St. James Church, 160 Federal St. Salem, MA 01970.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Jude hospital for children 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105. For additional information or online guestbook please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.