Obituary

Obituary of Dorothy Gannon

August 23, 2025

Dorothy Elizabeth Gannon passed into eternity on August 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of grace, intellect, and unwavering compassion. Born in New York City on March 7, 1935, Dorothy’s early years were shaped by faith and education. She attended the Academy of St. Ursula in the Bronx and St. Joseph’s Ursuline Academy in Malone, NY, where her love of learning first blossomed.

Summers spent on a farm and later at Our Lady of Lourdes camp in the Catskills—first as a camper, then as a counselor—were among her most cherished memories. Dorothy’s joy for those summers never faded.

She earned a scholarship to the College of New Rochelle, graduating with honors in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Her early career in advertising and educational publishing showcased her brilliance and dedication—so much so that when she left her position to marry, it took two men to replace her.

In 1958, Dorothy married John Kinney at the Lady’s Chapel in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. They began their life together in Hackensack, NJ, where their daughter Anne was born and christened in nearby Maywood. Anne and her husband Ed O’Donnell would later return to Maywood after marrying in 1992.

Dorothy’s journey took her to Portland, Maine, where she welcomed her son John and daughter Catherine. In Ipswich, Massachusetts, she gave birth to daughter Jean, who sadly passed away just days later. The family later moved through Newton and Reading, Massachusetts, then to Port Washington, Long Island, before Dorothy returned to New York City in the summer of 1973 as a single mother of three.

She built a distinguished career as a copy editor at HW Wilson, JB Lippincott, and HarperCollins, where her precision left a lasting mark.

Dorothy was an enthusiastic traveler, finding joy in her travels to Maine, Santa Fe, Paris, Ireland, England, and Provence. A lifelong dream came true with her pilgrimage to Jerusalem. She loved living in New York City—its museums, architecture and Broadway plays (especially when they were affordable!). She enjoyed exploring the many churches in Manhattan and its neighborhoods.

A lover of classical music and a PBS viewer, Dorothy was also a lifelong Democrat who believed in social justice. Her compassion extended to the poor and marginalized, supporting organizations such as Saint Joseph Indian School, Catholic Charities, the Catholic Worker (founded by Dorothy Day), and her parish, Immaculate Conception.

Dorothy faced life’s trials with faith, hope, and a profound empathy for others. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the causes she championed, and the family who loved her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Dorothy Gannon’s name to St. Joseph's Indian School, Catholic Worker or Nature Conservancy.

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