Anne Harriet Dorsey

Anne (Nan) Duncan Dorsey, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted Catholic, passed away peacefully with her children and grandchildren by her side on December 5, 2025, at the age of 94.

Nan was born on August 11, 1931, in Livingston, New Jersey, the only daughter of Daniel and Anne Duncan, who immigrated to the United States from Glasgow, Scotland. She carried her Scottish roots with pride throughout her life and was known for her strength, faith, and devotion to her family.

As a young woman, Nan was as a flight attendant for American Airlines at a time when flying was a symbol of glamour and elegance. In the 1950s, stewardesses were held to strict standards of age, appearance, and poise while embodying grace and professionalism. Nan embraced it fully as she loved the adventure, the people, and the sense of purpose it gave her. Nan cherished her aviation years throughout her life and we loved hearing her stories. She was a charter member of the Albany Chapter of the American Airlines Kiwi Club, a unique philanthropic and social group made up of former stewardesses/flight attendants. Wherever she lived, she joined local Kiwi chapters and remained actively involved, attending national conventions and supporting the club’s charitable and social activities.

On October 16, 1954, she married the love of her life, John (Jack) Dorsey. Together they shared a devoted 61-year marriage and built a lively, faith-filled home while raising ten children. With a household that full, life was always active. Nan and Jack were constantly involved in school events, sports, parish life, and community activities, creating a warm, bustling home grounded in love and shared experiences. Their home revolved around cherished routines like Saturday Spaghetti Nights and 5 o’clock Mass, traditions that brought the whole family together.

Nan and Jack raised their family in New York and later in Minnesota and Massachusetts, filling each home with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Nan always said she loved everywhere she lived and the people, and the memories each new chapter brought. No matter where life took them, she embraced every community, made lasting friendships, and created a sense of belonging for their growing family. They eventually moved to Florida and then to North Carolina before retiring to Sun City Center, FL, where they enjoyed golf, sunny weather, good friends, family visits and the joy of being together. After her dear Jack passed away, she moved closer to her daughters.

Nan, affectionately known as “Gogo,” was always on the go. She was an avid reader, loved shortbread, proudly claimed her heritage as part of the Macdonald clan. She charmed others with her warm energy and zest for life. She treasured travel, adventure and every moment spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was our #1 cheerleader always encouraging, endlessly supportive, and genuinely invested in the happiness and success of those she loved. Her joy of reading blossomed into a passion for Little Free Libraries. Determined to share books with others, she had many Little Free Libraries built and placed around the community, delighting neighbors and inspiring a love of reading in both children and adults. As a breast cancer survivor, Nan cared deeply about supporting research and finding a cure. She poured her heart into hosting an annual breast cancer golf tournament in Sun City Center, bringing people together in hope, camaraderie, and purpose.

Nan’s life was one of service. Her Catholic faith guided her daily life and shaped the values she instilled in her family. She truly loved people, had a gift for hospitality, and possessed a steady presence that made everyone feel welcomed and cared for.

Our Gogo will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John (Jack) Dorsey; her parents, Daniel and Anne Duncan; and her eldest son, John Michael (Mike) Dorsey.

Nan is survived by her children: Elizabeth (Robert) Culkeen, Daniel (Debra) Dorsey, Mark Dorsey, James (Rebecca) Dorsey, Kevin (Holly) Dorsey, Robert Dorsey, Kathleen (William) Edson, Paul (Vonda) Dorsey, and Diane (Lee) Hayes; 24 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren, all of whom were the greatest blessings of her life.

Nan’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched with her faith, love, and quiet strength. She will be always be lovingly remembered.

A service will be held at 10 am on December 13, 2025 at St. Andrews the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, Apex, NC.

Celebration of Life to follow at Sarasota National Cemetery in early 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to a Catholic charity of choice or acts of kindness in Nan’s memory.