Age 83
Sister Dorothy entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1956 after graduating from St. Ann High School in Freeland, Pennsylvania. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at College Misericordia (now University of Misericordia) in Dallas, Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in education from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania. She became a certified chaplain through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains upon receiving her master’s degree in pastoral ministry from St. Joseph College (now University of St. Joseph) in Connecticut.
In 1983, while studying for her pastoral ministry degree, she was inspired to begin “clowning.” As she carried out her ministry at Mercy Medical Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, she encouraged and taught others to join her, which led to the formation of “The Classic Clowns.” Sister Dorothy also shared her skills and compassion for the sick at Conemaugh Health System in Johnstown as the pastoral care chaplain. In addition, she taught in several Catholic elementary schools in the dioceses of Harrisburg and Scranton and served as principal at the Holy Child/St. Vincent Elementary School in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. Her ministries also included service to St. Boniface Parish in Sea Cliff, New York, where she was the director of religious education.
Her motto “As it will be seen for all Eternity” reflects her reverence and love of God and the Mercy Community.