Dorothy Forgues Niss passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 19, just two weeks shy of her 83rd birthday. She was born on March 4, 1943, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Mark Forgues and Ruth Gurley, and grew up surrounded by strong, independent women who shaped her lifelong belief that there were no limits on what she could do.

Dorothy devoted nearly 60 years to education, working as a teacher and school librarian, roles that reflected her curiosity, generosity, and deep belief in the power of learning. She touched countless lives through her work and continued teaching well into retirement as a substitute, never truly stepping away from the classroom.

She lived with remarkable energy and courage. A lifelong athlete, Dorothy was a marathon runner and triathlete who, at the age of 40, competed in one of the earliest Iron‑distance triathlons on the East Coast. She later went on to race at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, an achievement that placed her among the early generation of women who helped pave the way in endurance sports. True to her nature, she never sought recognition—she simply loved the process, the solitude of training, and the joy of movement.

Dorothy also embraced life with curiosity and openness beyond athletics. In her younger years, she found herself at the heart of historic cultural moments, including Woodstock in 1969, where she volunteered in the medical tent, helping calm and care for others amid the music and chaos. To her, it was never about notoriety—just showing up, being present, and helping where she could.

Music remained a constant thread throughout her life. She loved live music, especially the Grateful Dead and Phish, and cherished the times she shared concerts with those she loved. As she would surely say, “The Music Never Stopped.”

In Brandon, Vermont, Dorothy found a community she deeply adored. Known for her brisk walks, radiant white hair, and genuine warmth, she had a rare gift for connecting with people from all walks of life. A simple walk often turned into a meaningful conversation, and she left friends wherever she went.

Dorothy is survived by her two sons, Autumn Ahlers of West Pawlet, Vermont, and Jordan Niss of Ball Ground, Georgia. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Liberty Ahlers, Justus Ahlers, Serenity Ahlers, and Liam Greenleaf, and a cherished great‑grandmother to Cameron Chila.

She is also survived by her siblings: Brother Mark “Butch” Forgues II, Sister Esther Chenevert, and Brother Billy Forgues.

Dorothy will be remembered for her independence, kindness, resilience, and the quiet confidence with which she lived her life. She showed by example that joy comes from curiosity, connection, and never being afraid to simply go for it.

A gathering “In Celebration of Her Life” will be held on March 6, 2026, from 1-3 PM, at Brandon American Legion.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in her memory to; Rutland County Humane Society, 765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT 05763. Arrangements by Miller & Ketcham of Brandon.

Miller & Ketcham Funeral Homes, Inc.

BRANDON, Vt — You may have noticed Dorothy Niss on one of her walks around Brandon. She cuts a striking figure with her wavy white mane and brisk, determined gait. At 78, Dorothy still logs several miles per day.

But while the goal is to stay physically active, she’s always willing to stop and chat. She’s met a lot of people in town this way and if you talk with her long enough, you’ll learn that she’s a retired school librarian originally from Worcester, Massachusetts.

If you leave it there, and continue on with your day, you’ll probably assume that Dorothy has led a quiet life surrounded by books and the feathers she collects on her walks.

But probe a bit further, ask a few more questions about her background, and you’ll discover she used to party with Abbie Hoffman and staffed the medical tent at Woodstock, easing people down off their bad acid trips. As your jaw drops, she’ll simply smile like it’s no big deal.

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