Obituary: Dorothy Horan; Old Greenwich Resident Enjoyed Boating, Swimming

Dorothy Anita Roberta Horan (nee McCoy) of Old Greenwich, passed away June 17, 2013 at Greenwich Hospital. She was 90.

Dorothy was born in New York City October 10, 1922 at Little Flower Hospital, the daughter of the late Walter A. McCoy, MD and Selma S. Moran.

She spent her early years in New York City attending Mount St. Ursula Academy where she met many lifelong friends, and in the summers took to the ocean aboard her father's Matthews Cruiser; visited family friends in Old Greenwich (then called Sound Beach); and enjoyed Lake Waramaug in Warren, CT, at her grandfather's summer home. 

During her later teen years Dorothy moved to Carlysle, IL with her mother and stepfather John L. Moran, finishing her secondary education at Visitation Academy in St. Louis, MO. Subsequently she attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Mo.; Connecticut College in New London, CT.; and Washington University in St. Louis.

Upon completion of her college years she became a buyer for Jaccard's Jewelry Stores and later the wedding consultant at Montaldo's specialty store both in St. Louis. Additionally, Dorothy worked for Catholic Charities in St. Louis aiding orphaned children and giving logistical assistance at Firmin DesLoge Hospital.

She often spent summer vacation at this time in Spring Lake, N. J. where she had many relatives and old friends and could enjoy her favorite sport of ocean swimming and body surfing.

During World War II she joined the call to duty and worked at the Army Ordnance Plant in St. Louis.

In 1955 she married Robert W. Horan of St. Louis. They moved to Evanston, IL where they had their first child, John L. Horan in 1956. In 1957 Dorothy, husband Robert and son John moved to Greenwich, and a year later to Old Greenwich, where they had their second child Robert Jr. in 1959.

Dorothy was active in the Women's Club of Greenwich, The Women's Republican Club, The English Speaking Union, Safety Chairman at the Old Greenwich Elementary School and the Women's Investment Group of Greenwich.

Dorothy maintained an active life including boating and swimming on Long Island Sound and Lake Waramaug; and at Innis Arden Golf Club and Lucas Point where she loved to entertain.

She enjoyed the best life had to offer; fashion, fine dining and travel to various locations around the world with her husband and family. Throughout the years, Dorothy maintained contact and support for many Catholic missions. Above all, Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother and sister who always thought of her family first.

As many friends of the family have noted upon hearing of her passing, Dorothy had a bigger than life personality, a quick wit and keen sense of humor and will be deeply missed by all.

Dorothy passed away surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert W.; two sons John L. Horan (Catherine) and Robert W. Horan, Jr. both of Old Greenwich; and a brother Walter A. McCoy of Greenwich.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 25 at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 4 Riverside Ave., Riverside. Internment at Woodlawn Cemetery will be private.

Relatives and friends may call at the Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home, 31 Arch St., Greenwich, from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, June 24. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks you consider a donation in the name of Dorothy Horan to the: The Friends of Greenwich Point. To leave an online condolence please visit www.leopgallaghergreenwich.com