Sister Dorothy Margaret Dawes passed into eternal life on January 23, 2016, at Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center. Born August 29, 1930, in Chenal (Pointe Coupee Parish), LA, she was the daughter of Richard Dawes and Addie Marie McKay. In 1948, she entered the Dominican religious community of St. Mary's in New Orleans, now the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Sister Dorothy received her BS in Chemistry, and MS in Biochemistry and Biology, as well as a MA in Biblical Language and Literature. Known as a master teacher, she taught at St. Mary's Dominican High School and St. Mary's Dominican College in New Orleans. Later she served as an adjunct professor and campus minister in Hammond, LA, Orlando, FL, Lafayette and Thibodaux, LA. She also served as Vocation Director, archivist and historian for her religious community and was a presenter for the Progoff Intensive Journal Program. She was actively involved in all aspects of life. Sister Dorothy is survived by her sister Mary Chawla of New Orleans, and brother James Robert of New Orleans, as well as by her Sisters in the Dominican community. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Reggie and Richard. Sister Dorothy donated her body to LSU Medical Center. A Memorial Mass will be held at the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse at 11:15 am, Friday, January 29th. Burial will be in Rosaryville at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, 2320 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH 43219.

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Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Jan. 25 to Jan. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Dawes

22 Entries

John Leira

February 22, 2016

Dorothy and I were great friends and sojourners in the Intensive Journal Workshops, both of us being journal pioneers of Dialogue House, New York in the 70s till recently: Life Context, Depth Contact, Life Study. She did "Dominic" as her Journal Trustee and I did Oscar Wilde, William James, and Charles Darwin. We both gave those workshops and attended all of founder/depth psychologist, Ira Progoff led.
"You live YOUR life and I'll Live MINE!" she once proclaimed....and as Jackie Gleason in the "Honeymooners" proclaimed, "All the way to the MOON, Alice! All the way to the MOON!" ....both of us went.

We were great pals over our many years. She and I were terrific friends who carried on conversations left open...till we met once more to continue a topic...so deep was the fun and sharing of life fully lived!

She is a "dialogue relationship with and EVENT not just a PERSON!

When I look regularly over to the Golden Gate Bridge from my window I see her standing atop one of its towers....She is so monumental a lady.

See you in the depths, Dorothy!
Love,
John Leira (S.J.)
San Francisco, CA

Dorothy Dottee LeCompte

February 21, 2016

Sr. Luke taught me chemistry long ago and as Sr. Dorothy she was spiritual moderator of the Dominican College Alumnae board of directors where St Paul's words she selected guided us through tough times. I am ever grateful for her leading others to our loving God. Keeping one another in prayer.

Peggy Symons

February 21, 2016

I met Sister Dottie around 1974, when I was a student at a community college in Orlando. She was assigned to the school as a campus minister at the same time I was spiraling into a serious mental illness.
Sister Dottie took me under her wings (yes, angel wings) and eventually invited me to live with her at the Newman Center for Campus Ministry where she also taught a scripture class.
She held up a lantern of faith and love when all I could see was despair. She told me over and over to choose life. And then she said something that changed the course of my life. She said you are singularly gifted. Sister Dottie believed in me.
Through her unending and unconditional love I could see the Lord had never forsaken me. He loved me so much He sent one of his finest servants to help me.
I wrote to Sister Dottie for years after she returned to New Orleans. She always wrote back. One day a package from New Orleans arrived at my front door. I was so surprised to find that Sister Dottie saved every card and letter I sent over the years.
In faith, she knew someday they would be a journal of a very difficult journey from the darkness of mental illness into the light of hope.
Sister Dottie understood the gospel of peace and she lived it. Her unfailing pursuit of justice for the least of the brethren of Jesus Christ had a profound impact on me. In time, her mission became the center of my life's work.
There is no way to measure the gift Sister Dottie was in my life. The best I can do is to take her precious Light and pass it on.

Ethel Simpson

January 31, 2016

Sister Dorothy was Sister Luke when we met at Southeastern in Hammond in the Sixties. She conducted a Baby Bible class which was my sons' first religious instruction. She was instrumental in some efforts we were making in the Civil Rights Movement, including riding the Ferris wheel in her full Dominican habit with two students, one an African American, at the Tangipoha Parish Fair. We also participated in the interfaith ordination service of an Episcopal priest. I benefited greatly from two sessions of the Progoff Journal workshop.
Sister Dorothy and I collaborated with many other religious to publish an important history of religious orders in the Archdiocese of New Orleans; I was privileged to stay at St. Mary's during this project. My deepest affection and sympathy to Dottie's sister Dominicans and to her family.

Charles (nephew) Dawes

January 31, 2016

My life experiences would be pail in comparison without the richness and support she brought to me, our family, plus her local and global community. To me, she redefined humanitarianism, advocacy, impathy, compassion and spiritual wisdom. She was there in challenging times within my life, offering her support, positivity and guidance. I feel she revealed her personal and philosophical views through her actions and presence, rooted in social equality, fairness and stewardship, among many other qualities.

With her shepard like tendency to protect me through rough transitions, she was one of the most emotionally supportive and generous people I have known. I assume others, profoundly affected through her peace waging walk on this earth can bolster these deep sentiments.

The aspiration and notion of what it means to be "enlightened", or to be more Christ-like, Dottie was the first ever to bring these concepts to my childhood and be the forerunner to spark my interests in a life guided by more spiritual purpose and principle. Please acknowledge with me, this angel among humans...my beloved Aunt Dottie ...Sister Dorothy Dawes. May she walk with me still.

Barbara Breaux Winn - D.C. 1963

January 28, 2016

With loving memories of a dear friend and mentor. My years at D.C. were made even more special because of Sr. Dottie's presence and for years after we continued our friendship. She was so wise and so kind. I will always treasure her memory.

January 28, 2016

To all the Dominican community,
You have all my sympathies on the recent death of Sister Dorothy Dawes. I well remember her from her visit to Ireland in 1994 for the 350th anniversary of the foundation of the Dominican convent in Galway and all her enthusiasm for the Dominican story. I also remember her graciousness to me in January 1996 when I was in New Orleans for a few weeks.
I know that the Lord and all the Dominicans are giving her a right royal welcome in the heavenly places.
Mary OByrne, OP Ireland

January 28, 2016

You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort the family and friends during this time of sorrow Psalms 119: 76

Annette Sonnier

January 27, 2016

My prayers are with you, Mary. I remember how Sister Dottie always impressed me. I'm sure you will miss her. RIP. Annette Sonnier Scott, LA

January 27, 2016

Honnn non!!
Toutes les condoléances à ceux qui vivre ce départ.
Merci pour tout ce que tu nous a amené.
Bon voyage notre amie!
Amour!
xx

Sr Maris Stella OP McKeown

January 27, 2016

As an Irish Dominican and archivist, it was a delight to share our common heritage. Dorothy was a great friend to many. I extend my sympathy to family and friends and her Domincan family,St Mary's Dominican Sisters.Remembering all in prayer that this time of bereavement may be accompanied with gratitude in the knowledge that Dorothy, who touched so many lives, is now enjoying fullness of life.
S Maris Stella McKeown OP,Dublin, Ireland

Fr. John Marse

January 26, 2016

Well done good and faithful servant of God! I always enjoyed our talks in the archives and your love of history. You were a very insightful, grace-filled Dominican Sister. I will always treasure your friendship.

Maris Stella Pravata/Helfrich

January 26, 2016

Heartfelt wishes of condolence for the family from a friend and admirer of Sr. Dorothy, and in gratitude for her beautiful life.
(Special wishes to Mary Belle from an 'ol friend. God bless you all.)

Thomas Hofer

January 26, 2016

I remember Sister Dorothy from way back in 1967-1969 when I attended Southeastern La. College (now University) and met her several times at the St. Albert's Catholic Center. She was very dedicated and devout. May she now rest in peace and rise in glory.

john dawes

January 26, 2016

I too was touched by Dottie's caring. After a less than stellar high school education, I figured I was destined to wear the steel toed work boot I got for a graduation present. I did well in the plants and learned much about hard work and dirty jobs. But something was missing. Dottie knew something no one else did; that I was smarter than I thought I was. She pushed me to take a placement test to get into college. It turn my life around and I actually excelled making the Dean's list 3 of the last 4 semesters before I graduated. I will always be grateful for what she did for me. Peace out as they say.

Denis Fiset. and our family

January 26, 2016

Our love to her,she has been so much for US.

January 26, 2016

Sending my condolences to the family. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time. (Psalm 29:11)

Patrick Mottram MD

January 26, 2016

Str was a smart,kind,curious,and entirely classy lady. She loved her life, and it showed in her gentle, strong and principled demeanor. I will miss my friend and patient.

Maura Dawes

January 25, 2016

Aunt Dottie has an amazing obituary that is full of details that I had no awareness of (BA in Chemistry, MA in Biochemistry!) but there is so much more. Among other things she was a keen family genealogist/historian, an open-minded experimenter of natural health practices and a loving, doting, generous, supportive Aunt. Her companionship and supportive words throughout my childhood have never been forgotten, nor do they go unappreciated.
She is an enormous influence in my life.

always a Saints fan!

Margaret (Maggi) Dawes

January 25, 2016

Aunt Dottie was too young at heart to go! She always told me, "you are beautiful, you are creative..." She touched many, many lives throughout her life. She will be missed.

Terry Cummings gs

January 25, 2016

What a smart, dynamic, beautiful woman. I am honored to have known her. She taught me about living life to the fullest. Peace.

Chris Dawes

January 25, 2016

Thanks for all you did for me, my family and everyone else whose lives you touched.

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