Dorothy E. Breen

Dorothy Emma Breen, 88, passed away after a long illness on January 7th. Dorothy was born on July 15, 1923 in Paterson, NJ to Elizabeth and Cornelius Breen. She dedicated her life to working for the Salvation Army, and retired as a Major in 1985. She originally met the Salvation Army when she attended Girl Guard Camp at Star Lake, and became so interested that she joined the girl guards at the Paterson, NJ Corps. She then became the leader of 3 guard troops helping to make a difference in the lives of many young girls. As a graduate from business school Dorothy obtained employment in the Salvation Army as a secretary and joined the Star Lake Camp program staff. Nearly 10 years later she became a soldier of the Northport, NY Corps and answered God's call to officership.

Dorothy's other appointments in the Salvation Army included teaching at the school for officer's training in the Bronx, assistant in the Education Department, Curriculum Writer and Assistant Editor at national headquarters, and as Literary Secretary at territorial headquarters. During her years in New York she attended New York University at night where she graduated, cum laude, in 1970 and received her Masters in Education in 1975.

After her retirement from the Salvation Army Dorothy continued to serve and make a difference. She helped to establish the Toms River Corps, and served there in many capacities including Home League Membership Chairperson. She personally introduced over 30 women to the program, trading in her car for a van in order to bring more ladies from her neighborhood.

When not involved in her many activities with the Salvation Army, Dorothy enjoyed bird watching and served as a monitor and recorder for the Pine Ridge Bluebird Trail. She enjoyed walking along the nature trails in the Pine Barrens and was a member of the Ocean Nature and Conservation Society and the Jersey Shore Audubon Society. Dorothy broght her camera along on her walks and was a wonderful photographer. She also enjoyed spending time with her family.

Dorothy was a fun, loving, and caring woman who willingly gave her time and abilities to all who asked. She has touched the lives of so many people and will be greatly missed. She was predeceased by her close friend, Major Eva Shannon and her brother-in-law, Irving Bosland. She leaves her sister, Ruth Bosland, her nephew Bruce Bosland and his wife Joyce, her nieces Judy Schmidt and Cathy Bosland, 4 great-nieces and 1 great-nephew; Carlene, Laura, Justin, Danielle, and Kylie.

Visiting hours will be Wednesday January 11th from 4-8PM at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home 26 Mule Road, Toms River, NJ 08755. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Thursday January 12th at 10:30 AM. Committal will follow at Cedar Lawn Cemetery, Paterson, NJ. In lieu of flowers donations to the Salvation Army will be greatly appreciated.