Dorothy  J. Mac Donnell age 89, passed away peacefully into God’s arms, on August 6, 2022.  She was a very devote Catholic, beloved wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law and friend.  She will be greatly missed.

 

Dorothy was born in Boston Massachusetts to Joseph C. and Mary J. Jordan, Irish immigrants, on February 14, 1933.   She spent her childhood in Jamaica Plains Massachusetts where she attended Our Lady of Lords Grammar School, St. Thomas Aquinas High and Catherine Gibbs College.

 

In 1953 she met the love of her life, Thomas A Mac Donnell.  The two were engaged on Valentine’s Day 1954 and married August 21, 1954.  After Tom was commissioned in the Army, home became where the Army sent the family.  Dorothy was a loving mother of six, a gracious Army wife, and friend to many.  Eventually the Army took them to the Northern Virginia area where the family put down roots, and Dorothy served as a docent at Woodlawn Plantation and a long time associate at Lord and Taylors. In 1993 Tom and Dorothy retired to Pawley’s Island SC, where Dorothy continued here volunteering at Brook Green Gardens, Teach My People, Georgetown Visitor Center and Precious Blood Catholic Church.

 

Tom and Dorothy’s nearly 68 years of marriage was blessed with 6 children, 16 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren ( 3 more on the way).  The home they built in Pawley’s always welcomed their family and friends and many family gatherings were hosted in the beautiful home that they made together.  Dorothy instilled in their children a strong sense of faith, family and community that will live on for generations.

 

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and brother Joseph C. Jordan Jr. (Elaine)

Dorothy is survived by her husband Tom, her sister Barbra Holmen McKenna (David), her six children and 16 grandchildren:  son Thomas A. Jr. (Sandy) their children Morgan, Caroline, Margaret; son Sean (Leslie) daughter Jordan; son Brian (Claudia) their children Katie Hanscome (Steve), Brian Jr (Ashely), Kevin (Bailey), Molly; daughter Maura Tapley (John) their children Rachel, Hillary Tiernan (J.P.),  Erin;  daughter Aileen Hughes (Michael) their children Neill, Elizabeth; daughter Patricia Day (Todd) their children Claire Nelson (Ryan), Courtney Bear (Nathan), Emily Mike (Phil). Plus eleven great grandchildren.

 

A special thanks to the beautiful angels from the Keys (especially Estella Brown), and the Amedysis Hospice.

 

A Catholic funeral mass will be held at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church, in Pawley’s Island  S.C. on August 19, 2022 at 11:00am.  Dorothy will be intered at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

 

More information and pictures can be found at www.burroughsfh.com.