Dorothy Wickert Hennessey

The memorial Mass at St. John Neumann (Eagan, Minnesota) was very beautiful. Neil's eulogy gave me an intimate glimpse into the life of a woman I have admired ever since I first learned of her life -- and faith -- journey.

By the time I married into the Hennessey family in 1983, Dorothy was one of the three living matriarchs of her generation. She (Newell's widow), Gen (John's widow) and Cecil (Harold's second wife) were all strong, smart women -- fiercely devoted to their families, proud to be married to the Hennessey brothers.

I had the great privilege of spending a morning with Dorothy about 10 years ago, when she ws in St. Paul visiting friends. We went to Saturday morning Mass at Nativity, and had breakfast at Faricy's restaurant in Highland Village. I was mesmerized by her stories of the Hennessey siblings, almost none of whom I had known. I learned that Newell had been a daily communicant many years ago at St. Louis, King of France, in downtown St. Paul, one of my favorite churches.

Fittingly, I thought, Dorothy was buried at Resurrection Cemetery on the feast of St. Louis, August 25. It was a brilliant summer day, humid after several days of rain. The birds sang sweetly and we all lingered a little, reluctant to say goodbye. The pensive mood changed when we all realized we were a little hungry and the Hennessey cousins (and others) needed to visit. Dorothy would have enjoyed the perfect lunch at Axel's -- great food, good wine, excellent company. May God hold you in the palm of His hand, Dorothy, until we meet again.

Neil:
Some of are always behind time. Please accept our belated expression on your most heartfelt loss!

Dear Neil: I just learned of your mother’s passing from my parents.
Your mother was the most elegant woman I have ever had the pleasure
of meeting and wish to emulate.
St. Pat’s Day will not be the same without her!

Kathi Kegan Andres

Dear Michele and Neil, I heard from Dad this morning that your mom had died Thursday. He saw the obituary in the Lexington paper. I am so sad to hear of her passing and know that you will miss her dearly. She was a wonderful and vibrant woman and always made me feel special. Stan joins me in sending you our loving sympathy. Bonnie and Stan

Michele and Neil,My deepest sympathies are with you both at the loss of a great parent and best friend to both of you.Your Mother truly was a special person and I'll always remember the special times I had alone with her. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the service however my prayers are with you all. Bob Higgins

Dear Neil and Michele,
Today was beautiful. I loved how Father was able to touch on your mothers beauty both inside and out. The song at the end, WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING ON, was so perfect...so your mom! So what she would have wanted at the end of services. Her day was perfect, loving, so very God given. Neil, her picture even smiled bigger when you read your eulogy to her. Thankyou for touching our lives, and may Jesus and the love of your family and friends bring you comfort. xo Robert, Kit, Jenn, Bobby, and Kyle

Dear Neil and Michele,

Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. Although I did not know her well, we shared several enjoyable evenings at Janie's beautiful holiday parties. She was an interesting and charming lady and it was a pleasure to get to know her.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,
Christy and Mike Mullin

Michele,
Everyone here at Mattson was very sorry to hear about your loss.

Dear Neil,
We send our deepest condolences for the loss of your mother.

Greg & Gina Scala

Dear Neil and Michele,
May you find comfort in that your Mom was happily greeted in heaven by the love of all and warmly praise for her devoted life by our Lord. She was a model of humility in faith and an expression of tender kindness.
My Family has enjoyed all of your friendships, especially sharing holidays and we will dearly miss Dorothy. Thank you Neil for sharing your family with mine.
Love to All,
Brenda, Bill and Pauline

Dear Neil,
Our special condolences for the loss of your Mom. She was a great lady and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Rick & Carrie Wotocek

Neil and family, Tom and I send our deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. As a fellow "Katie," I have a special admiration for your mother's spirit and accomplishments. Our hearts and prayers are with you.

Dearest Neil & Michele:

Your Mother was a role model for women everywhere… confident, talented, passionate, with a strength of purpose and determination. She shared so abundantly of herself - freely giving her knowledge and friendship. She leaves a deep and indelible footprint in the sand. It is a deep mystery, the matter of life and death. That the person who brought you a thousand joys, can now leave you shedding a thousand tears. ...And we wonder how this thread that holds us all to life can be so thin and fragile...Until one day, we find the courage to accept that the living aren't meant to understand death, but only to celebrate life...and to remember that the only real death is forgetting. – and we will never forget the one and only Dorothy Hennessey. I love you both. May God Bless You and Take You Under His Wings and Guide You Through Your Grief.

Much Love,
Janie