Dorothy Anne Lovely, 77, of Etowah, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 26, 2026, following a brave battle with cancer.
Dorothy was born on Monday, July 26, 1948, in Attleboro, Massachusetts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard S. Wagle and Adele E. Wagle; her sister, Adele Gockenbach; and her beloved husband of 42 years, Robert P. Lovely Jr.
She is survived by her loving siblings: brothers David S. Wagle, Richard H. Wagle, and Peter R. Wagle, and sister Suzanne A. Cote. Dorothy also leaves behind her cherished sons, Mark R. Lovely and Daniel J. Lovely and his wife Kelly, as well as her treasured grandchildren, Joshua D. Lovely, Ashlyn M. Lovely, and Jonathan D. Lovely.
In 1966, Dorothy married the love of her life, Robert P. Lovely Jr. The two met while attending Bishop Feehan High School and went on to share 42 happy and devoted years together.
Dorothy was a resident of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, for 45 years before relocating to Etowah, North Carolina, in 2016. During her time on Cape Cod, she owned and operated a cake decorating business, specializing in wedding cakes. She was a true artist with a wide range of talents and hobbies, including woodworking, painting, and stained glass. Dorothy also embraced life’s adventures, enjoying skiing, whitewater rafting, and even skydiving.
After retiring and moving to Etowah, Dorothy became an active volunteer at Etowah United Methodist Church, where she was blessed with a close-knit circle of friends. Together, the ladies shared many memorable travels around the world.
Dorothy will forever be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and true friend. She deeply valued the family and friendships she was blessed with and cherished every moment spent with those she loved.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Etowah United Methodist Church, located at 110 Brickyard Road, Etowah, NC 28729, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy’s honor to help support animals in need, through the Blue Ridge Humane Society or Carolina Basset Hound Rescue.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
89 Chapel of Faith Drive, Candler, NC 28715

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more