Dorothy E. Vattes

Dorothy Ellen (Burnham) Vattes, 86, of Manchester, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026.

Born in Manchester, NH on October 20, 1939, she was the daughter of Arthur and Violet Aurielle (Leafe) Burnham. She graduated from Manchester West High School.

Prior to retirement, Dorothy worked for Senator Gordon Humphrey and Senator Robert Smith. Earlier in her career, she served as a legal secretary with the Brown & Nixon Law Firm. She remained deeply engaged with local and national politics throughout her life, following current events with sharp insight and genuine interest.

Dorothy had a warm, social spirit. She loved traveling and shopping with her husband, John, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, keeping up with friends, and sharing long conversations filled with laughter and stories. Whether gathering with her close circle of friends or catching up with neighbors, she valued the connections that shaped her life.

She was predeceased by her husband of over 60 years, John A. Vattes, in November of 2025, as well as her siblings, Arthur Burnham of Texas and Joanne Burnham of Manchester.

Family members include her sons, Shane Vattes and wife Jennifer of Manchester, and Mark Vattes of Manchester; her daughters, Lori Vattes of Jacksonville, FL, and Wendy Dee and husband Jerry of Manchester; her grandchildren, Benjamin, Luke, and Julia Vattes; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

The funeral service will be held at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, on Thursday, April 9th at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford.

Donations may be made in her memory to support the Dementia Society of America.