Age 88
Sister Dorothy will be remembered for her deep faith, unwavering dedication to others, and loving presence. She leaves behind a legacy of mercy, service, and compassion that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, the second of eight children, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung, New Jersey, at the age of 18. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Georgian Court College (now University) in Lakewood, New Jersey, and a master’s degree in education with a specialization in mathematics from Trenton State Teachers College in Trenton, New Jersey.
Her teaching ministry began at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception School in Camden, New Jersey, where she taught sixth grade for five years. She then taught grades six through eight at Sts. Philip and James School in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, for three years. For seven years, she taught mathematics at Cathedral High School in Trenton, New Jersey, and then served as their assistant principal for three years. She continued her ministry as a mathematics teacher at Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
After a brief assignment with the Diocesan Senior Citizen Program at St. Francis Parish in Trenton, Sister Dorothy began what would become a lifelong commitment to St. George Parish in Titusville, New Jersey. From 1980 until her retirement in 2016, she served as pastoral associate, continuing afterward as a dedicated volunteer. Her ministry touched countless lives through visitation of the homebound, nursing home residents, and hospital patients; training and coordinating lay ministers; assisting with parish development projects; serving on numerous parish committees; and helping families plan meaningful funeral liturgies.
Outside of her ministry, Sister Dorothy enjoyed deep-sea fishing, hiking, and a lifelong love of animals. She became highly accomplished in training and showing German shepherds and border collies in obedience, agility, tracking, and herding trials, earning numerous championship-level titles. She generously volunteered with local animal rescue organizations, including Trenton Trappers and Animal Allies of Pennington, New Jersey, reflecting her deep compassion for all of God’s creatures.