Dorothy Flaherty

Dorothy Kelly Flaherty, 79, Pittsburgh native, died peacefully surrounded by family at her Atascadero home Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005.

A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the Chapel of the Roses of Atascadero, 3450 El Camino Real. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at St. William's Catholic Church of Atascadero, 6410 Santa Lucia Rd. A private inurnment will take place at Old Mission Cemetery of San Luis Obispo.

Dorothy was an active member of St. William's Church for more than 16 years, active member of American Association of University Women, and a committed volunteer at Loaves and Fishes. She was a graduate of the College of Notre Dame of Belmont. She was a very enlightened lady, an avid reader and enjoyed listening to National Public Radio. She loved travel, good food and had a keen appreciation of plants and flowers, but she hated gophers. Her optimism was infectious. She was also involved in local politics in the Atascadero community and was a staunch Democrat. Most importantly, she was totally devoted to her family and friends and will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Dorothy was the wife of the late John Flaherty; mother of Thomas Flaherty and his wife, Kim, of Paso Robles, Kathleen Chognard and her husband, Robert, of Atherton, Theresa Levinson and her husband, John, of Boston, Nancy Okun and her husband, Phillip, of Carlsbad, Claire Flaherty of Cayucos, Rosemary Newsum and her husband, Larry, of Templeton, Nina Anderson of Ventura and Patricia Kapp and her husband, J.J., of Los Altos; loving sister of Nicholas Weiss of Baton Rouge, La., and Frank Weiss of Charlotte, N.C.; sister-in-law of Rosemary Flaherty; grandmother of nine; and aunt of many nieces and nephews.



Donations to Loaves and Fishes, 5411 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422, would be appreciated.