FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 • 1D
As a dynamic, positive force in the Farragut community, ViceMayor Mary Dorothy “Dot” LaMarche, at 79, continues her lifelong commitment of giving back. The Nashville native says her strength, courage and inspiration to help others came from the formative years when she and her siblings were brought up by strict, loving parents. Although her family was not wealthy and there were hard times, her parents taught their children the importance of always doing the right thing, being obedient, kind, good and respectful of each other; getting their education and working. Dot even delivered papers at age 11 and she and her siblings each went to work at 15. “My parents were strict. They worked with each of us. They were both excellent with instruction, helping us and teaching us to take care of ourselves,” said Dot. Following their parents’ advice each became successful and compassionate individuals. Dot pursued a career in the medical field and after 35 years as a registered nurse she retired in 1994 when she and her husband, Lou, relocated to Farragut. Lou worked in the paper industry as a southeast regional sales manager-chemical engineer and was transferred from Raleigh, NC. She was the Patient Care Coordinator in the emergency room of Rex Hospital in Raleigh and planned to continue her nursing career in Knoxville. However, at the time hospitals in the area were “letting nurses 55 years of age and over go”. Eventually she was offered a position at only $6.50 an hour. Although she believed in continuity Dot felt her time would be more valuable spent contributing another way. So, Dot became involved in the community and, in particular, the Sugarwood Homeowners Association in the subdivision where she and her husband had moved. One of her projects that gave her experience working with the Town of Farragut involved cell towers. While she was well aware of the importance of the towers, she and her neighbors didn’t want one in their neighborhood. She went to town hall meetings every two weeks to explain the Sugarwood Homeowners’ position. Ultimately she and her neighbors won their battle. The cell tower was built somewhere else. See DOT on Page 2D
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