Dorothy R McGillen

Our cherished Dorothy "Dottie" McGillen passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024, at Cape Cod Hospital, surrounded by her devoted husband and daughters. She was 85 years old.
Born on February 9, 1939, in Boston to William M. Rauha and Doris Shaw Rauha, Dottie grew up with a passion for caring and nurturing others. After graduating from Newton High School in 1957, she pursued her calling in nursing, earning her degree from Newton-Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing in 1960. Throughout her career, she served with dedication as a Registered Nurse at Mt. Zion Hospital in San Francisco, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis.
In 1966, during a Cape Cod vacation, Dottie met the love of her life, James F. McGillen of Osterville. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage just four months later, and they spent most of their lives together on Cape Cod, save for a brief stint in Newton, MA while Jim completed law school.
Dottie's life was filled with a deep love for music, expressed through her involvement in the church choir and the Chatham Chorale, as well as her volunteer work with the Cape Cod Symphony. She was an adept seamstress and found joy in crafting exquisite slipcovers and the wedding gowns of both her daughters.
Her heart found solace in the tranquility of Dowses Beach, her affection for her cats, and the cherished annual excursions to Saratoga with her beloved Jim. Yet, her most treasured moments were spent sailing her beetlecat "Catastrophe" with her daughter Deirdre, cheering on her daughter Heather at horse shows across New England and doting on her adored grandchildren.
A long-time member of the Hyannis Yacht Club, Dottie leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. She is survived by her devoted husband, James F. McGillen, her daughters Heather M. Trujillo (husband Mario) and Deirdre Reilly (husband Philip), as well as her AFS daughter from Venezuela, Andreina (Ia) Sucre. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Gabriela and Evan Trujillo, and Quinn and Aidan Reilly, along with nieces Cheryl Gomsey, Deborah Nugent, Katherine Jenkins, and Jill Jenkins, and nephew Scott Nugent.
Dottie was preceded in death by her parents, William and Doris, and her siblings, sister Phyllis Nugent and brother Paul Rauha.
A visitation will be held at the Chapman Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road, Marstons Mills, MA on May 7th from 4-8 PM. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Cape Cod Symphony or a local animal shelter, in honor of Dottie's enduring passions and compassion.