PROVINCETOWN — Mary Dorothy “Dotty” Mulcahy, a free-spirited child of the 1960s whose mischievous smile and sparkling blue eyes live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, died of ovarian cancer at her Provincetown home on Sept. 16, 2019. She was 70.
Dotty leaves her wife, Cherie Mittenthal, her McBride family, and many friends and relatives.
Orphaned at age 10, Dotty lived with her paternal aunt, the late Mary “Auntie” Mulcahy, in her Wellesley home. Five years later, while a student at Marian High School in Framingham, Dotty’s name was given by school administrators to a busy mother looking for help with her five small children. That referral changed not only Dotty’s life, but that of the entire extended McBride family of Weston, who joyfully welcomed Dotty into their family. Dotty’s McBride siblings, Jack, Jane, Bob, Ann, and Pauli, were with her in Provincetown during her final days, as were many friends who came from around the country to say goodbye.
A graduate of Regis College in Weston, Dotty lived a life unbounded by convention. She was at Woodstock 50 years ago. She backpacked through Europe and Morocco in the 1970s. She drove a school bus and ran a wedding photography business before moving to Provincetown in 1981 where she and her then partner Diane Bains owned and operated the Check’er Inn guesthouse and Pilgrim Cab company for many years. She was a founder of Helping our Women, a Provincetown nonprofit dedicated to providing support to women in need. She was also a founding member of the Women Innkeepers of Provincetown and was active in the community for many decades.
In 2014, Dotty met Cherie Mittenthal, the love of her life; they married in 2017. Together they enjoyed time on the sea and in the dunes with their dogs, Harpo and Lily. They traveled to Thailand and Italy despite Dotty’s continuing health challenges.
An avid gardener, oyster and Champagne lover, passionate pickle ball and ping pong player, and principled advocate for those whose voices are not being heard, Dotty had a gentle nature that belied a remarkable inner strength. She had a keen sense of humor, and her Irish wit and magnetism attracted friends from all walks of life.
Her family extends thanks to her oncology team at Mass. General Hospital and to the compassionate help provided by VNA Hospice, especially the volunteers.
A celebration of Dotty’s life is will held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Edgewood Farm, 3 Edgewood Way, Truro.
Donations in Dotty’s memories may be made to Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill, P.O. Box 756, Truro 02666 or Friends of Thai Daughters, P.O. Box 370, Trevett, ME 04571.

An online guest book for expressions of condolence may be found at gatelyfuneralservice.com.

Jane Saul, 77, Always Offered a Helping Hand

Jane Saul of Provincetown died Oct. 1, 2019 at Cape Cod Hospital with her sister and niece by her side. She was 77.

Born in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Eli and Gladys (Sperry) Saul. After high school she studied to be a laboratory technician. She worked at both hospitals and doctors’ offices as a hematologist.

Jane moved to Provincetown in the early 1970s. Here she worked at Womencrafts, where many visiting women found Jane to be an especially welcoming and comforting presence. Jane will also be remembered for her volunteer outreach and altruism. If someone needed a helping hand, Jane was there to offer a ride to a medical appointment or any other urgent need.

Jane loved Herring Cove, and for many years she loved walking the beach. She collected impressive amounts of beach glass and smooth stones.

In her last year of life, Jane brought her own compassion and empathy to those caring for her at Seashore Point Wellness & Rehabilitation Center. They will miss her. During this year, Jane still looked forward to, and thoroughly enjoyed, a weekly card game with friends at Seashore Point. Her poker face was legendary.

Jane leaves her sister, Anne Olson of Springfield, Va.; her niece Deborah; and nephews Mathew, Mark, and Thomas, along with their families, as well as her best buddy, Diane Greene, of Wellfleet. Jane also leaves many friends, young and old, near and far.

A celebration of Jane’s life will be held at a time to be announced.

Contributions in her memory can be sent to Helping Our Women, 34 Conwell St., Provincetown 02657.

An online guest book for expressions of condolence for the family may be found at gatelyfuneralservice.com.