Obituary of Dorothy R. Kelleher

Dorothy Rose Kelleher 92, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday, November 5, 2022.

Dorothy was the daughter of the late Michael and Helen Connors and was born in Schenectady where she spent her childhood. She graduated from Saint Columba’s High School and attended Mildred Elley secretarial school. She married the love of her life, William Kelleher, in 1951, and then flew off to Indiana where Bill was working on a master's degree from Purdue University.

Dorothy, or Dort as Bill called her, spent the early years of her marriage raising three children and supporting Bill in his various career moves. Her most loved hobby was reading, something she did even when she had to transition to large print books and a magnifying glass. She also made an effort to remember each of her loved ones’ birthdays with special dinners and thoughtfully selected cards. She enjoyed playing pinochle and other card games, and when she won, she would always say “I just got lucky.”

When Dorothy’s children were all in school, she re-entered the work place, spending over 30 years as the office manager of the Albany Fort Orange Club. She joined several civic and religious organizations and was frequently called on to be the treasurer. Bethlehem Business Women, Bethlehem Seniors, and Altar and Rosary Society are just a few examples. Her faith was very important to her and she was a long-time communicant of St Thomas the Apostle Church. Even in her final days when she didn’t feel the best, she went to Mass on Sunday. In fact, the number one life message that Dorothy conveyed to her children is that the best thing you can do when you feel down is get up, get dressed and soldier on.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially the little ones who made her smile. Her home was filled with pictures of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which she proudly described to any visitors.

Dorothy is survived by her three children - Kathleen Kelleher (Tony Knox), William P. Kelleher, and Maureen Gray (Mark). She is also survived by her sister Virginia McCabe. She was grandmother to eight grandchildren and great-grandmother to seven children. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 69 years, William Kelleher, and her grandson Brendan Michael Cullen. We will all miss our mother, our grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Calling hours will be held at Applebee Funeral Home on Friday, November 11, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Saturday, November 12 in St Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary, 7880 W Denton Road, Denton, NE 68339.