Dorothy Christine McWilliams
SHARON — Dorothy Christine McWilliams died peacefully at home in Sharon on Aug. 31, 2023, surrounded by her friends. She was 85.
Dorothy was adopted at one month old by Samuel J. McWilliams and Margaret Dorothy (Hughes) McWilliams, residing in Hollis, Queens, New York. Dorothy was on her own by age 21. Dorothy then moved to Patchogue, Long Island, entering the nursing program at St. Joseph’s Memorial Hospital, earning her LPN. Her career as an LPN spanned 35 years, primarily at Huntington Hospital, retiring at 62.
On the recommendation of some friends, Dorothy moved to Sharon, Connecticut in 2002 and bought her first house.
Dorothy was a communicant at St. Bernard’s Church, now part of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish. Dorothy fulfilled her dream as alter server for 20 plus years. Dorothy was awarded the St. Joseph medal for church service in 2020 by the Archdiocese of Hartford.
Dorothy was devoted to the residents of the local health care facilities, assisting them in many ways. Dorothy brought the Eucharist to Catholics at Sharon Hospital, Sharon Health Care, Noble Horizons, Geer Memorial and the homebound of our community. She went to the health care center to say rosary and assist with monthly mass. She also accompanied the residents when they went shopping in Torrington.
Dorothy’s lifelong passion of volunteerism extended to raising funds for the Crop Walk to defeat local and world hunger. She was the top money earner for several years, earning her “The Golden Sneaker Award.”
After she stopped driving in 2019, Dorothy became an avid walker out of necessity. On her daily excursions, she met many new friends in her travels, including lots of dogs. She became very popular with her furry friends, treating them to dog biscuits. She treasured all animals.
A mass of Christian burial was held at St. Bernard Church, 52 New Street, Sharon, CT, Friday Sept. 8, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in her name to VNA/Hospice of Litchfield County, 32 Union Street, Winsted, CT 06008
