Dorothy Irwin Paul, age 77 of New Castle, formerly of Monroeville, passed away on September 29, 2020. She was the daughter of Lewis W. Irwin and Alice Steinbrunn Irwin. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Sydney W. Paul, after 45 years of marriage. She is survived by her sister Gretchen M. Bacco (Irwin} and brother-in-law Barry L Bacco; a sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Al Roe of Fredericksburg; two nieces and nephews; close cousins and many very dear friends. Dorothy woke up every morning with a positive outlook on life. She was compassionate, dedicated to helping others, a loyal friend, fun loving with a great sense of humor. She loved music from the Beatles, to the Rolling Stones to James Taylor and danced to any song that had a beat. She enjoyed cooking gourmet meals, reading - especially books relating to her profession, and socializing with her family and friends. Dorothy loved traveling all over the world with her husband Sydney and occasionally with friends. She had a close relationship to QVC shopping network and any shopping mall and could never walk past a Coach handbag. Dorothy was a strong advocate for mental health. She was past president and one of the founders of the Lawrence County Crisis Shelter and a member of the Board of Directors for 10 years. As a mentor for girl scouts, she was recognized as the Woman of Distinction for the World of People by the Beaver-Castle Girl Scout Council. She was also treasurer for PA Mid - Western Heart Association for 3 years, and for 4 years a member for Pittsburgh Committee on Employment of the Handicap. A graduate of Waynesburg College she majored in Political Science and Education. She was very active in Sigma Kappa Sorority and editor of the yearbook. She furthered her education at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in rehabilitation counseling. After obtaining her degrees she worked in Woodville State Hospital as a psychologist, coordinating a women's transitional program. Four years later she obtained a job with Human Service Center in New Castle, PA as a coordinator of Partial Hospital Programs. She retired 40 years later with the title of Director of Outpatient Services. For a few years she, along with her husband Sydney, had a private part-time counseling practice. As an advocate also for domestic abuse, she counseled and taught assertiveness training workshop to victims. A special thanks to Quality of Life Services in New Castle PA 1 West for their excellent care and always treating Dorothy with dignity and respect. You are real heroes in our eyes. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00-12:00 at Harmony Baptist Church, 4103 Ellwood Road, New Castle with a Memorial Service at 12:00. Rev. Jeff MacKay will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crisis Shelter Lawrence County, 1218 W. State Street, New Castle, PA 16101 or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of American, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Arrangements are being handled by the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., where online condolences may be offered to the family at www.cunninghamfh.com