Dorothy E. Hannon
Dorothy E. Hannon (nee Morgan), 89, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2016, after a very brief illness.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, James; her daughter and son, Irene and James Jr.; their spouses, Thomas Gottlieb and Teresa; and her grandchildren, Catherine and Maureen Hannon. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Irene (nee McCauley) Morgan. She was a cherished aunt and a dear friend to many.
Dorothy was born February 10, 1927, in St. Louis, where she spent most of her life. After a career as an emergency room secretary at Barnes Hospital, she focused on creating a home for her husband and children. Her family was always her greatest treasure.
Dorothy was a talented seamstress, flower arranger, cook, storyteller and poet. Her afternoon teas and May Day baskets were legendary, and she held wonderful parties for family and friends that are remembered decades later.Her children still marvel at the meticulously planned trips covering most of the continental United States and much of Canada that she organized for the family every summer in their little travel trailer—all researched pre-internet. Every milestone, holiday, and accomplishment was celebrated in the Hannon household, thanks to Dorothy—but she also had a knack for making even ordinary days special.
Those who knew her will always remember her bright, sparkling eyes; her zest for life; her contagious smile; and her kind, loving heart. She radiated warmth, empathy and compassion. Her very presence made the world brighter for those fortunate enough to cross her path, and her light and grace and joy live on in our hearts.
A memorial Mass was held on October 1 at Church of the Annunziata. Dorothy was interred at Resurrection Cemetery during a private service.
You will be forever missed and remembered in our hearts…
Dorothy E. Hannon – Memories from Memorial Mass
Good afternoon everyone
First of all, on behalf of the entire family, thank you very much for joining us here today. We have friends and family that are from area, and we also have some that came in from out of town. So it is very much appreciated.
As some of you know, my sister Irene is the real speech writer in the family. So we talked and agreed that she would be the one to share more of the memories and I would keep my comments fairly brief. And, actually, I only have two items: One a memory to share; and, Two, a favor to ask.
Dode, or Dodie, as she was known by many of her friends was, of course, a very special lady to us in the family. But, she was also very unique in a another way, a way that some of you actually called out in your notes back to me over the last month or so: Those sparkling eyes; the smile that some mentioned; that warm friendship. Dodie was one of those rare individual who make friends anywhere she went, and across the generations.
If you look around you today you will see a number of generations represented. Some are here as friends and co-workers of another family member and, unfortunately, may never have had the opportunity to meet Dode. Others were her friends and know exactly what I am talking about.
The best example I can give is: Right after college my circle of friends expanded and I began hosting an annual summer BBQ and a Christmas party for many, many years. Dode, and dad, were always fixtures at those parties. They were always there. What was so unique was that as time went on and my generation of friends began having gatherings, who should be invited? Dode and dad. And they weren’t there as “Jim’s Parents”. They were sometimes the few, if not the only, “parents” that were there. They were there because they were friends. I believe that is something that Dode always, thoroughly, enjoyed.
So before I turn it over: A favor to ask….
We have a number of faiths represented here today, and each one has their own perspective / belief on the next step in our journey. Our belief, of course, is that while we certainly hope that the individual who preceded us has a straight path right to heaven, we also believe that they might, possibly, maybe need our prayers and penance on their behalf.
So in the back of church, and later downstairs, there are these cards. On the back there is a little information on Dode, and then a prayer. What I would is that you take that home and, instead of it being misplaced, or discarded or lost in the shuffle in the next couple of weeks, find somewhere to place it where you will see it occasionally. And, no, not on front of the Fridge. Dode was always, for many years, very careful to keep the front of the fridge clear – until the granddaughters came along, and then the rules changed. But, someplace where you will see it occasionally and, when you do, please, stop – take a few moments out of our crazy, busy, hectic, non-stop lives – and say prayer.
For those of left behind struggling with the loss, but also for Dode. That Dode’s soul, and all the soul’s of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Again – Thank you very much for joining us; for the many notes, the cards, the letters, the emails, the charitable donations, the many masses for Dode, the flowers They are all very much appreciated by us, and I have to smile – that Dode would appreciate them as well…
God Bless….