In Memory of Sister Dorothy McCormick

September 8, 1925 – October 8, 2013

Sister Mary Dorothy McCormick, 88, daughter of Edward and Rose (Heim), was born Loretta Rose McCormick on September 8, 1925, in Waukon, Iowa. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation on her birthday, September 8, 1943, and professed her perpetual vows on May 11, 1949.

She received a bachelor’s degree in Education from Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, and a master’s degree from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska. Her Presentation career, spanning 51 years, took her to St. Columbkille (1946-1956 & 1967-1968), Osage, Key West, Mason City, Waukon, Bankston, Algona, Resurrection (1986-1990), Cedar Falls and Sheldon, all in Iowa and St. Paul, Minnesota, and San Antonio, Texas. Her ministries included teaching grades K-8 and elementary school administration.

In addition to teaching, Sister Dorothy had a special gift for working with the elderly and the poor. Serving as chairperson of the Northeast Iowa’s Community Action Program in Waukon, she was instrumental in the startup of a meal program with transportation to the meal site for senior citizens. After her retirement to Mount Loretto in 1997, she became a member of RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) in Dubuque and was an active volunteer at Tri-State Blind Society, Discovery Shop, Mercy Hospital, Dubuque Nursing and Rehab Center, Presentation Lantern Center, and students with special needs.

Sister Dorothy enjoyed playing cards, visiting and helping anyone in need. She celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2004 and stated, “I truly felt the call of God, a call I have lived faithfully for 60 years.”

Surviving is her sister, Dorothy Berglar, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 70 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Alvin Severson, her brothers, Joseph, Harold, Edward, Cletus, and her sisters Marie, Helen, Sister Mary Louis, PBVM, Geraldine, and Dolores.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at www.dbqpbvms.org.