Obituary of Sr. Dorothy Frances S. Dwyer, OSF

Born: Dorothy Frances Stich, October 16, 1933, Lake Charles, LA Died: January 1, 2021, in Olean General Hospital of Natural Causes Daughter of: Charles and Thelma Conroy Stich, Lake Charles, LA Sr. Dorothy entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on August 15, 1987, was received into the Congregation on August 9, 1988, and professed her final vows on September 1, 1996. She joyfully lived the Franciscan charism as an Allegany sister for 33 years. Dorothy attended the Academy of the Holy Names and Henry Bradley Plant High School in Tampa, FL. She graduated from the University of South Florida, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and the University of Tampa, where she received a Master of Business Administration in Accounting. Dorothy married and had two children, Alliston and Craig. Some years after receiving a Church annulment, Dorothy answered the call to religious life, having known the Allegany Sisters for several years. She began her ministry with the Franciscan Sisters as a social worker assisting the homeless at St. Francis Inn, Philadelphia, PA. While a canonical novice in Allegany, Sr. Dorothy ministered in the areas of education, justice and peace. In 1992, she relocated to Florida, where she worked at St. Anthony’s Hospital as a patient advocate and in Mission Integration. Sr. Dorothy was blessed with the gift of artistry, and in 1997 created Allegany Art. This ministry, to a great extent, was to promote the artwork of our own sisters and, together with Dorothy’s artwork, formed a collection that was used in Congregational publications and ministries. For many years, as part of Allegany Art, Dorothy published Advent and Lenten booklets of reflections written by the sisters, associates and friends, which were widely read and enjoyed. In 2011, Sr. Dorothy retired but actively volunteered at Sacred Heart Church, Catholic Charities, and Ministries of Mercy, all in Tampa, FL. In 2018, she was warmly welcomed home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Dorothy was a true Southern lady, always gracious and reaching out to others. Sr. Dorothy is predeceased by her parents, Charles and Thelma Conroy Stich, her son Craig Dwyer, and an aunt, Sr. Mathilde Conroy, SC. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Alliston and Bill Duryea; grandsons, William, Peter and Andrew Duryea, all of Virginia, a sister, Ruth Tapley, of Tampa, FL, and several nieces and nephews. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, NY at a private service. Arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York. For condolences, please visit www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.