Dorothy Tennyson Guy

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dorothy Ann Tennyson Guy on December 17, 2024. Dorothy peacefully passed in her sleep surrounded by family, after bravely choosing to embrace her diagnosis and live her days out on Twin Oaks farm, surrounded by the spirit of her life’s greatest accomplishment – her family. A beloved homemaker, an exceptional cook prepared to feed the masses, a skilled and wily card player, and a steadfast pillar of love in her family and community, she lived a life that defined kindness, compassion, and dedication to all those around her. These were not goals on how to act, but, simply, her character. Born on February 3, 1943 to the family of Thelma and Raymond Tennyson on a beautiful southern Maryland farm in Clements, MD, she was brought into an already large family of six children, where three more would follow. Her home is a haven where family and friends would gather to share meals, laughter, and memories. Known for much, her extraordinary cooking and this open-door extension to all is something she would bring to her own farm with her husband, Bill. Around their table, they had a way of bringing people together, solving the world’s problems, and creating traditions that will be cherished for generations. These moments would extend to anywhere the family gathered, including a waterfront cottage that the siblings came together to be stewards of, as well as cherishing this small farm, this property would build memories beyond its years for multiple generations of siblings, cousins, and friends to gather and enjoy their company. She had an incredibly sharp wit, and her wily competitive spirit made her a formidable card player. She and her siblings would often gather weekly to play, but more than a card game was being had. As many youngsters she would care for would come to find out, this card table was a school of learning. Life’s small, but invaluable lessons were learned during those games – about strategy, patience, good humor, and sportsmanship, but, most importantly, the joy of connection. These lessons were not just reserved for her own children and grands. Dot welcomed all into her home with open arms, and helped to care for many nieces, nephews, cousins, and neighboring children that needed someplace to grow, and she would know exactly how to help them in their own ways, best. It is why enumerable people still value and remember that warm embrace and nurturing advice. Beyond just her family, Dot was a cornerstone of her community. Her good nature, fairness, willingness, and instinct on when to lend a helping hand made her a beloved figure to neighbors, friends, and all fortunate enough to cross her path. She embodied the most valuable virtues of kindness and respect, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Dot and her husband of 62 years would create a magically successful life together. One where they measured success not by what and how much they had, but by who and how well they were raised. They would come to raise three children of their own on their farm in Avenue, MD, William Jr. (Howie), Michael, and Virginia (Ginger), all would grow calling those lessons and this farm home; Ginger even building her home on the property just across the farm. Together they all worked the farm and eventually started a family business of their own, a local auto parts store in Clements, MD, still open today. All of this was made possible by Dot’s incredible work ethic, enthusiastic mind, and cunning ability to read people. Dot’s years of caring for others lead to unwavering support from all through her final days. Their support to the family allowed her to return from diagnosis to the farm with grace and dignity to peacefully find her path home to Mike and God. We thank all for their presence. Through 62 years of marriage, Dot and Bill loved each other immeasurably and immovably. Their love withstood the test of time and the early loss of their son, Michael, but grew inseparably intertwined within that. From the hospital to her passing months later, Bill never left her side. His devotion to her will be a lasting and final memory for her, and for us. She is survived by her devoted husband, William H. Guy, Sr. (I), her children, William H. Guy, Jr. (II) (Cynthia), and Virginia (Ginger) Richards, her grandchildren, William H. Guy III (Lauren), Danielle Guy Hughes (Sean), Samantha Richards (Nick), and Madison Richards, and four great-grandchildren, who will each carry forward her legacy of love, togetherness, and kindness. She was preceded in death by her spirited and animated son, Michael Guy. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate in the remarkable way that she approached life. Her love will continue to guide her family and community, and her memory will live on in every meal shared, card game played, cottage gathering, and every act of kindness inspired by her example. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 30, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, MD, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 10:00 AM with Father Kevin Fields officiating. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Bushwood, MD, where Dot will be laid to rest next to her beloved son, Michael. Serving as pallbearers will be her nephews, Dale Tennyson, Timmy Tennyson, Gary Bowling, Steve Guy, and Stan Guy, and her grandson, Billy Guy. Honorary pallbearer will be her nephew, Clarke Guy. In Lieu of Flowers donation may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s and ACTS ( A Community That Shares). Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.