Dorothy Sullivan Petroski

Obituary of Dorothy Sullivan Petroski
Petroski, Dorothy S. of Eagan, died on March 23, 2024, at the age of 95. She is survived by her loving children, Mary Jean Higgins (Jim), Janet Hansen (Bill) and Alan Petroski (Jill Gray); grandchildren Jeffrey (Emily) and John (Libby Johnson) Higgins; Maureen, Kevin, Ryan and Colin Hansen; and great-grandchildren Calvin, Cameron, James and Pierce Higgins. Preceded in death by husband of 70 years, Walt. Dorothy, the oldest of four, was born on a farm near Ellendale, Minnesota, and lost her mother at the age of 10. Perhaps she became such a strong woman because of the hardships in her early life. She attended a one-room schoolhouse, and once skipped a grade because she was the only one in the grade. After graduating from New Richland High School, she moved to Minneapolis and attended secretarial college. Dorothy met Walt at a dance at a Catholic church, and they were married in 1950. Soon after, Dorothy and Walt dealt with Dorothy's thyroid cancer, the first of three cancer bouts. They lived first in south Minneapolis, and many years in Mendota Heights, where Dorothy enjoyed gardening, flower arranging, playing bridge, the dance club, and volunteering at the Church of St. Peter in Mendota, where she was an active member. Dorothy made sure the weeds did not win in the many gardens at St. Peter's! She was a loving and supportive wife, mother and grandmother, always very interested in family members' lives. Dorothy and Walt moved to Gramercy Park Eagan and embraced their new community. She loved living there and was very active right up until the end. Dorothy cared for Walt through his decline during COVID. She said no one could take better care of him than she could, and she was right. There were many health crises of her own after Walt's death, but her strong will to live enabled her to enjoy life much longer than expected. Her interest in others, humor, and hard work ethic stand out. After God made Dorothy, He threw away the mold. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00 am on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Church of St. Peter in Mendota. Livestream of the Mass can be found at stpetersmendota.org. The family thanks Living Life Home Care, caregiver Selina Antonia Graves, Dignified Choice, and M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for Dorothy's wonderful care. Memorials preferred to the Church of St. Peter in Mendota.
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