Dorothy Marie Dempsey

Dorothy was born September 21, 1950, in San Antonio Texas to Ernst and Patricia Hoessly, and attended Highlands High School.

Dorothy was married to her husband Jeff for almost 48 years. Through her marriages she raised two generations of children. First, her three children, then her son Michael’s three children. One of Dorothy’s proudest achievements was providing a safe, nurturing, and loving home for her family. For that we are all so very grateful.

Our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother will be remembered as the pillar and strong constant in all of our lives. With her guidance, her descendants have all graduated from college and become contributing and kind people in their communities.

Dorothy’s way of letting us all know what she expected of us has reached beyond just our family. Her ability to know what was best is something that we hope we have all learned from her. Her smile, quick tongue, hugs, and love will be missed forever.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Thomas Michael McElligott, II. She is survived by husband, Jeff Dempsey; daughters, Tricia McElligott and Devin Shipley (John); her four grandchildren, Avery McElligott, Blayke McElligott, Coleman McElligott, and John Shipley; great grandson, Taylor Reyes; her brother, Ernst Hoessly, Jr. and his significant other, Genny Manley; as well as two sisters. She is also survived by ex-husband and lifelong friend Thomas McElligott, and close family friend Gary Allder.

Dorothy’s family will celebrate her life near her birthday in September.