Joan Dorney

Joan Dorney passed away suddenly on November 16, 2024 at Common Spirit Mountain Point Hospital. Joan was born in Bronx, New York on October 13, 1942. She attended St. Jerome grammar school, followed by Cathedral High School in Manhattan. Joan then married Jim Dorney on May 23, 1964 and over the next 4 years, had 2 children, their son James and their daughter Jeanette.  These two added 6 grandchildren each to the family and they in turn have so far added 8 great grandchildren.

Joan was the strength of the family for more than 60 years. If anyone needed help she was always there to take care of the problem. Joan had a very strong belief in the Catholic Faith. She spent several hours every day praying to Jesus and His Mother Mary on behalf of family, friends or anyone else in need. Her love and compassion extended beyond just those she knew. She regularly donated to multiple charities, including St. Jude’s, The Priest of The Sacred Heart, The Special Olympics and First Responders and Police. She was considered by many to be “love and light wrapped up in human form”.

At the early age of 43 she became disabled and lived the next 39 years in daily pain. Yet she always placed every one else’s needs above her own. She would pray that their pain was given to her. She was selfless in every way.

Joan is survived by her husband James, her two children, 12 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many extended family.

A Few words from the people she lived with everyday-

“Mom, you have always been my hero.  You taught me to have strength, to place my faith in God and Mary and to love without abandon.  You were my rock and my mentor.  I am the mother I am today, because of your guidance and the example you gave me throughout my childhood.  When I faced hard times you were there to support me and you never let me down. Your courage and faith has inspired all those around you and I hope that one day I can become a fraction of the amazing woman you became. Your legacy will live on forever.  I love you to the moon and back.  Until we meet again” – Jeanette (daughter)

“A more pious person I’ve never known of, and I lived through the time of Pope John Paul II.  Never a day went by that she didn’t pray for the welfare of others while dealing with the overwhelming challenges her health presented.  Self-sacrifice didn’t even play into it.  She saw the world differently…the needs of her loved ones always came before her own.  Willing to endure any amount of pain and discomfort if there was even a chance to help others through her absolute belief and prayers.  Truest example of real Christianity I’ve ever seen.” Keith (son-in-law)

“I know that Heaven is real because of Marma, and I know what true undying love for family and God is because of who she was for us.” – Arianna (granddaughter)

“Marma always helped me keep my Faith in God. She was the most amazing and caring individual I’ve ever met, and I am truly so glad to have gotten to call her my grandmother.” – Kjirsten (granddaughter)

“My grandmother was always a kind person. She always cared and loved everyone she met. She was a true Christian woman and lived the life she wanted.” – Emma (or Wren) (granddaughter)

“Marma, you were always there when I needed you.  When I was so sick and could barely walk, you took care of me.  No matter how you felt, you made sure I was ok.  Your faith in God created a bond between us that will never be broken. I can only hope to continue that faith and live by your example” Padraig (grandson)

“For every Hero on their hero’s Journey, there is a wise sage to guide them.  Marma, Joan, wasn’t only the sage to every one of her grandkids, but to countless other people in life.  In life, and now beyond it, one of the greatest mentors any man, or woman, could ask for.” Kaeden (grandson)

“Marma was my second mom and I will always miss the joy she brought every time I visit home” Seamus (grandson)

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.