Dotothy L. Mooney

Dorothy Louise Mooney was born July 14,1924 to Thomas William Smith and Lollie Susan "Grace" Scotten Smith in Columbia, Missouri. Her father passed away at a young age leaving her mother to raise two toddlers on her own. Having few skills, she mostly did housekeeping for local farmers. At the age of 12 and 11 years, the girls were placed in the Kansas City Interdenominational Home for Girls. This was not an orphanage but a home for girls during the Depression that provided a stable environment and educational opportunity. Dorothy excelled in school and was a model resident of "The Home." She graduated with honors from SouthEast High School and immediately went to work for Western Union. She would work there until retirement in 1984.
She married Herman LeRoy "Lee" Mooney in 1950 and had her only daughter, Patricia Annette, in 1954. She was stepmother to three boys and one girl. Her many talents included sewing, embroidery, hooking rugs, reading and most of all gardening. That was one of her great passions and talents in life. She thoroughly enjoyed hours spent with her flowers. We joked that she was born with not just green thumbs but green fingers.
Retirement brought traveling in their van with their beloved dalmatian, Casey. She then delighted in her 4 grandchildren that she and Lee helped raise. When Lee suffered a stroke in 1996, she became his nurse and advocate. She remained devoted to him until his death in 1999. She lived with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren until vision loss made it unsafe. She relocated to Wexford where she made new friends (her sense of humor was legendary) and participated in activities like flower arranging. She was there for 3 years. Recently, health issues forced a move to Benton House where she was just starting to enjoy her new environment.
She is preceded in death by her parents, the love of her lifeLee, younger sister Katherine Pope, two stepsons and a grandchild. She is survived by her daughter Patricia Mooney Smith (Reid), stepdaughter Joyce Minker (Joe), stepson David Mooney (Carolyn), grandchildrenRachel, Abigail, Bennett, Amelia Smith Curtis (Chase), Jon Minker (Sandra) and Jill Minker.
We would like to thank the staff at Wexford Assisted Living, Benton House of Tiffany Springs and New Mark Rehabilitation for their many kindnesses and love in caring for Dorothy. She was loved much and will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be private at the National Cemetery in Leavenworth.
Being a "dog person" Dorothy would have liked memorial donations sent to an animal shelter of your choice.
Dorothy Louise Mooney was born July 14,1924 to Thomas William Smith and Lollie Susan "Grace" Scotten Smith in Columbia, Missouri. Her father passed away at a young age leaving her mother to raise two toddlers on her own. Having few skills, she mostly did housekeeping for local farmers. At the age of 12 and 11 years, the girls were placed in the Kansas City Interdenominational Home for Girls. This was not an orphanage but a home for girls during the Depression that provided a stable environment and educational opportunity. Dorothy excelled in school and was a model resident of "The Home." She graduated with honors from SouthEast High School and immediately went to work for Western Union. She would work there until retirement in 1984. She married Herman LeRoy "Lee" Mooney in 1950 and had her only daughter, Patricia Annette, in 1954. She was stepmother to three boys and one girl. Her many talents included sewing, embroidery, hooking rugs, reading and most of all gardening. That was one of her great passions and talents in life. She thoroughly enjoyed hours spent with her flowers. We joked that she was born with not just green thumbs but green fingers. Retirement brought traveling in their van with their beloved dalmatian, Casey. She then delighted in her 4 grandchildren that she and Lee helped raise. When Lee suffered a stroke in 1996, she became his nurse and advocate. She remained devoted to him until his death in 1999. She lived with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren until vision loss made it unsafe. She relocated to Wexford where she made new friends (her sense of humor was legendary) and participated in activities like flower arranging. She was there for 3 years. Recently, health issues forced a move to Benton House where she was just starting to enjoy her new environment. She is preceded in death by her parents, the love of her lifeLee, younger sister Katherine Pope, two stepsons and a grandchild. She is survived by her daughter Patricia Mooney Smith (Reid), stepdaughter Joyce Minker (Joe), stepson David Mooney (Carolyn), grandchildrenRachel, Abigail, Bennett, Amelia Smith Curtis (Chase), Jon Minker (Sandra) and Jill Minker. We would like to thank the staff at Wexford Assisted Living, Benton House of Tiffany Springs and New Mark Rehabilitation for their many kindnesses and love in caring for Dorothy. She was loved much and will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be private at the National Cemetery in Leavenworth. Being a "dog person" Dorothy would have liked memorial donations sent to an animal shelter of your choice.
.