Sister Dorothy (Irene Patricia) Gaffney, BVM
Sister Dorothy (Irene Patricia) Gaffney, BVM died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020, at Caritas Center in Dubuque, Iowa. She was 93.
Sharing of Memories, Virtual Visitation, and funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.
She was born on Jan. 10, 1927, in Chicago to Patrick and Irene (Calt) Gaffney. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1946, from St. Clement Parish in Chicago. She professed first vows on March 19, 1949, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1954. She withdrew in 1970 to care for her parents and reentered the community Sept. 23, 1985.
Sister Dorothy was an elementary teacher at St. Anthony and an administrative assistant at Mount Carmel, both in Dubuque, Iowa. She ministered as an elementary teacher and principal in Des Moines, Iowa, and as a school secretary, administrative assistant, and elementary and secondary teacher in Chicago. She also taught in elementary schools in Omaha, Neb., and Butte, Mont., and a secondary school in San Francisco.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Patricia Kolometz, and a nephew, Patrick Kolometz. She is survived by a niece Dottie Ryan, Schaumburg, Ill.; grandnieces; great-grandnieces; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 74 years.
Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or make an online gift.
Watch Memorial Mass and Sharing of Memories Download Eulogy Download Sharing of Memories
A DEAR FRIEND WHO WILL BE MISSED….OUR FRIENDSHIP GOES BACK 40 YEARS WE SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER SR. DOROTHY
Sister Dorothy accepted me with open arms for my Scholastic Experience. She tried to let me learn every aspect of becoming a teacher. I will never forget the opportunities she gave. She was such a special person. I am eternally grateful for how she made me feel.
Jacqueline Reese
Sister Mary Irene Patricia was my 8th grade teacher 1958-1959. She was a great influence on me. I confided in her when I was troubled. She listened to me. She was fun, yet expected a lot from me. She made everyone feel that they were her personal favorite. She was an amazing woman.
Never to be forgotten
Sister Dorothy accepted me with open arms for my Scholastic Experience. She tried to let me learn every aspect of becoming a teacher. I will never forget the opportunities she gave. She was such a special person. I am eternally grateful for how she made me feel.
Jacqueline Reese
Dorothy was the “hostess with the mostest” for the coalition against human trafficking. At every meeting she was there seeing to the distribution of nametags, the arrangement of snacks and clean up afterwards. She always did this with a gracious smile and loving presence. She was a dear woman.
Sr. Dorothy, known to us as Nan, was a wonderful family friend. Nan and my mother were high school classmates and remained friends till death. She was a light in every room she entered and will be warmly remembered.
Sister Gaffney was my Speech and home room teach in high school in the 80’s. Sister Gaffney will always hold a special place in my heart. Sister Gaffney was a teacher who made learning fun. She listened to us and provided great advise. My heart is heavy in learning of her passing. Sister Gaffney thank you for being that teacher/friend we all needed.
Mary Schnickel
Class of 85
Cathedral HS Chicago, IL