DOLAN, SC

SISTER DOROTHY

Age 91, answered God's call to eternal life on July 3, 2026, at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, PA. Born in Pittsburgh on March 1, 1935, she entered the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill on September 8, 1959, from St. Stephen Parish in Hazelwood and faithfully served God and His people through 67 blessed years of religious life.

Sister Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary (Murray) Dolan; and her sisters, Jean Ratey, Eleanor Platt, and Agnes Dolan. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, their families; and her Sisters in the congregation.

Sister Dorothy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Seton Hill University and a Master of Education from Duquesne University. She participated in Duquesne University's Teacher Education Program for six years, pursuing her studies while teaching and furthering her dedication to education.

After completing her education, Sister Dorothy made the life-changing decision to enter the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill while continuing her vocation as an educator. Her first ministry assignment was at St. Michael School in Pitcairn, where she taught under the leadership of Sister Agnes Louise Green, the very teacher who had taught her in first grade. This full-circle moment marked the beginning of a devoted career in Catholic education and service.

Sister Dorothy ministered as a middle school teacher in diocesan schools throughout the Dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, and Pittsburgh, as well as the Archdiocese of Washington. Always willing to serve where needed, she taught in 14 diocesan schools and later served as principal in five schools, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students, faculty, and families.

At the time of her 50th Jubilee, Sister Dorothy reflected on her vocation, saying, "I see myself rooted in the charism of the Sisters of Charity through daily Eucharist, prayer, and ministry in service to God's people. I hope that I am open to new and necessary service wherever and however needed."

Throughout her life, Sister Dorothy faithfully lived those words. After a distinguished career in education, she remained open to new opportunities in ministry. She embraced a variety of roles with generosity and enthusiasm, serving as a part-time secretary, assistant director, coordinator of classroom supervision, school finance manager, financial advisor, and assistant director for the Institute for Today's Ministries. She also served the Sisters of Charity Congregation as treasurer for fourteen years, offering dedicated stewardship and leadership.

For ten years, Sister Dorothy served as part-time office manager at Rendu Services, a ministry serving the poor and marginalized of Fayette County. It was a fitting conclusion to a lifetime dedicated to serving others.

Sister Dorothy's legacy of faith, service, leadership, and devotion to God's people will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. Through her ministry in education, administration, and outreach, she touched countless lives and faithfully carried forward the mission of charity entrusted to her by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Reflecting on her vocation, Sister Dorothy once said, "It has been a wonderful journey living and serving as one of Mother Seton's daughters."

May Sister Dorothy now rest in peace with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Company of Charity, her family, friends, and all those who have gone before her in faith.

Family and friends will be received at Caritas Christi, 129 DePaul Center Road, Greensburg, on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. A prayer vigil, sharing memories in the Chapel of Assumption will follow at 6:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., in the Chapel of Assumption at Caritas Christi. Burial will immediately follow Mass in the Sisters' Cemetery.

The funeral liturgy will be live-streamed. Access through the link: https://venue.streamspot.com/2af9e1eb

If you wish to offer prayers or remembrances, you may do so by emailing prayer@scsh.org. Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Charity, DePaul Center, 144 DePaul Center Road, Greensburg, PA 15601. For more information, visit the website: www.scsh.org.