Obituary of Sr. Dorothy Powers, SSMN

Sister Mary Dorothy Powers, beloved and cherished member of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, died August 28, 2024.

On Monday, September 2, 2024, a Rite of Welcome, Rosary and Visitation will be held at OLV Center at 4:00 p.m. and at 7:00 p.m. a Wake Service will be held there.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at OLV Center, 909 W. Shaw Street, Fort Worth.  Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Sister Dorothy was born Patsy Powers in New York City on December 18, 1935 and entered the community of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur on August 12, 1954. Her community now mourns her passing as she was a vital source of strength, life and leadership for many years. This August marked her 70th year as a member of her congregation.

Sister Dorothy began her ministry as a teacher in elementary school and gradually assumed the role as principal. Her talents in Spanish led her to mission work in Mexico, especially pastoral ministry in Zihuatanejo. After attaining a Masters in Theology she pioneered in the Lay Ministries Program of the Fort Worth diocese for many years, bringing adults advances in theology ahead of their time.

Sister Dorothy’s gifts expanded as time went on to attain a post graduate certification in spirituality at the Jesuit School of Theology. Later, as Director of Religious Education at Saint Maria Goretti Parish and at Saint Joseph Parish in Arlington, Sister Dorothy had a wide influence in the lives of many children and families. She then continued her call to minister to others by giving spiritual direction to many individuals who thirsted for God in the spiritual life.

In her own congregation, Sister Dorothy held the position of Provincial Superior at one point and, then afterwards, leading by love and example, always presented ideas and resources to the sisters. All the sisters and oblates of her community had a special love for Sister Dorothy and will continue to have that love for all days.