Dorothy DiGregory

On Saturday, November 16th, Dorothy Lee (Dottie) DiGregory entered into Eternal Rest at her home in Bowie. Dottie retired from the federal government and was the owner of McNamara’s, also known as McNamara’s Barn. The site for many dances, meetings, wedding receptions and other events over the past 50 years, McNamara’s also provided a home for services after Ascension Catholic Church was destroyed by fire in 1977 and Bates Hall was completed. She and her mother worked with the priests of the parish at the time and other parishes in the DC area to obtain the resources and liturgical items necessary for the parish community to continue to celebrate liturgies as a parish community. She also provided space in her home for religious education classes.

Dottie was a long time active parishioner of Ascension, in earlier years serving in the choir, as a CCD teacher, sacristan, and on many other committees. She was also a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society (including a period as its president) and the Ladies Sodality, and for the last several years as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion who made at least weekly visits to the homebound. As a child and young adult, she knew homelessness and poverty. Dottie was always striving to serve those less fortunate and assist those who were struggling, even though her own financial resources were limited. She also worked to help those with spiritual needs and was known to many in the community as godmother. Many of her works were seen only by her, the recipient, and God. In addition to her work in the parish, government, and business, her caring for her immediate and extended family, Dottie was a member of the Bowie Heritage Society and an ‘adopted’ mother or grandmother to many.

Dottie was preceded in death by her husband James (1968), her parents, her sisters Marguerite and Mary, and her grandson, Jonathan Patrick (JP) II. She was the beloved mother of sons William (Wanda), James, John and Dominic, and daughter Marysanta (Jonathan) Bigony; the beloved grandmother of Leigha, James, Danielle, and Emma; and also loved by Theresa, Elizabeth, Robert, Ashlee, and Michael. In addition, she is survived by many nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends. Family will receive visitors Friday, November 22, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Rosary 4:30; Vigil Prayers 6:00pm) at McNamara’s (7800 Chestnut Avenue). Visitors are encouraged to bring stories to share. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 23, at 10:30 a.m. at Ascension Catholic Church, Bowie; followed by a reception at McNamara’s. Interment private. She requested no flowers. Donations may be made to the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara (1326 Quincy Street, NE, Washington DC 20017, 202-543-1179).