Dorothy B Hanrahan

October 31, 1930 - May 23, 2024

Dorothy “Dot” Breen Hanrahan, 93, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 23, 2024. A long-time resident of Newport News, Virginia, Dot spent the last few years with family in Colorado.

Dot lived a long and vibrant life filled with family, friends, and pets. Full of love, laughter, and resilience, she touched the lives of all who knew her and will be remembered for her heart, humor, friendship, and strength.

She is survived by her children Edward (Elizabeth), Kathleen (Richard), and Sheila; grandchildren Charles, Eric, Kelly, and Taylor; great-grandchildren Ayden, Kayden, Adeline, Juliet, and Olivia; as well as extended family members and friends. Dot is predeceased by her husband Edward, grandson Stephen, and son-in-law Keith.

Dot was born on October 31, 1930, in Mahwah, New Jersey, to Thomas and Lillian Breen. She was proud of her Irish and German heritage and told entertaining stories about growing up during the Great Depression with her four brothers and many family members and friends. While living in New York City and taking classes at Pratt Institute, Dot met her husband Ed. After marrying in 1954, they travelled for assignments with the Air Force throughout the United States as well as overseas to the Philippines.

She viewed every location as an opportunity to learn new skills, experience activities, and do meaningful work. Dot was employed in numerous administrative assistant jobs ranging from research laboratories at the United States Air Force Academy to education services with Newport News public schools. She was a camp counselor, scouting troop leader, vacation bible schoolteacher, and church meal ministry volunteer. Dot excelled at shorthand, typing, gardening, sewing, furniture restoration, home improvement, canoeing, dodgeball, dominoes, card games, birdwatching, conversation, and collecting ladybug memorabilia. She willingly shared her hobbies and interests by taking the time to teach skills and games to those around her.

A life-long animal lover, Dot was passionate about her volunteer work with Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue, Education & Training (SEVA GRREAT). She fostered and adopted many dogs including her best-known companion Clifford who worked with her as a therapy dog at military facilities and nursing homes in Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dot’s memory to SEVA GRREAT, P.O. Box 8014, Yorktown, VA 23693.

The funeral will be a private ceremony, remembering Dot in the presence of close family. She truly was one of “All Things Bright and Beautiful.”

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful: the Lord God made them all.

(United Methodist Hymn 147)