Dorothy Sloan Obituary

Our Heavenly Father came Tuesday, Feb. 10 and took Dorothy Ann Sloan into His Arms and into His Kingdom of Heaven for her eternal life. There she is being reunited with her husband, Lynn, her parents, siblings, friends and all others who had already been welcomed there.

Dorothy Ann was born on Aug. 4, 1919, to Patrick and Maude (Gormley) O'Connell in Chippewa Falls. She attended Notre Dame Schools and often helped her parents in their popcorn stand on the corner of Grand Avenue and Bridge Street. She later graduated from Chippewa Falls Senior High School in 1937. As a young single woman, Dorothy Ann worked with the State of Wisconsin Department of Taxation in Eau Claire. She and her sister, Rosemary made the daily commute together.

As a young person she was taught the principles of living a good Catholic/Christian way of life by her parents and also by teachers, priests and by watching how others led their lives. She lived her life in that manner, always being honest, loving, cheerful, and helpful to others. She was never one to complain about the ups and downs of ordinary life, just accepted things as they came. In her older years, to the consternation of her children, she would never let on if she was having some health issues as she always wanted to spare her family any anxiety related to her.

A handsome young soldier from Chippewa Falls, Lynn Sloan had his eye on her and they met just prior to World War II. They continued to correspond long distance through the war years. Upon his successful return to civilian life, they were married on May 7, 1945 at the Notre Dame Rectory. The priest was also half way listening to his radio as it was V-E day in Europe and everyone wanted to hear the latest news of this triumphant day.

Together, Dorothy Ann and Lynn raised seven children. As a devout Catholic, belonging to Holy Ghost Parish, she was very instrumental in teaching, coaching and ensured that her children were raised to know the Catholic faith, recognize other Christians as equals, and modeling herself in a fashion that the children would pattern themselves after. Respect for others, a healthy dose of needed discipline steeped with loads of love, was part of the format she used in helping her children become healthy and happy adults. Her family adored her.

After the youngest child was off to school, Dorothy Ann worked at the Northern Center as a food service worker. She enjoyed the change of pace and was happy to meet new co-workers outside of her family. As with any new setting, there were always challenges to be met along the way and she accepted those again without complaint.

After retirement, she and Lynn traveled to Myrtle Beach, S.C., during the winter months for a few years to escape the harsh Wisconsin winters. They enjoyed their walks along the beach and site-seeing, visiting with other travelers and made many new discoveries.

Dorothy Ann also enjoyed being involved with the YMCA, where she participated in swimming and other activities. She met many dear people who became great friends and often met them many times through the years for their breakfast outings. She also enjoyed craft class at the Senior Center until her eyesight became challenged to the point that she was unable to continue.

Dorothy Ann and Lynn had bought a condo in the Frenette's addition after many years of residing at 819 Maple St. The beautiful flower gardens in the back of their four-unit building were a source of immense pleasure to them. Those gardens were maintained by their daughter, Sharon and the other neighbors of that complex. Dorothy Ann remained there after Lynn passed away, and she especially enjoyed the company of her neighbors, often sitting outside in the summer evenings and visiting with them.

Dorothy was the "glue" that held this family together. Her children always knew that she would have all of the information about anything happening with their siblings and her home was lovingly dubbed, "Grand Central Station." They could always keep track of each other through Mom.

She will be deeply missed by: her children, one son, Pat (fiancé, Kelly Kenealy) of Chippewa Falls; and six daughters, Sharon (Bob) Moucha of Cadott, Lynnann (David) Smith of Luxemburg, Wis., Rosemary (Roger) Ewoldt of Arpin, Sue (Ron) Recore of Chippewa Falls, Mari (Dan Park) of Cadott, Judi (Rick) Bowe of Eau Claire; she is further survived by her brother, Eugene O'Connell of Eau Claire; and sisters-in-law, Marion Loken of Loveland, Colo. and Maxine O'Connell of Eden Prairie, Minn.; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her husband Lynn on June 22, 2006; her parents, Pat and Maude O'Connell; her in-laws, Herb and Rebecca Sloan; her brother Pat O'Connell; her sisters, Lorraine Sinette, Elaine Bell and Rosemary Trimbell; she also was preceded by an infant granddaughter, Nancy Moucha.

A Memorial Mass will be held at noon Friday, Feb. 13 at Holy Ghost Church, Chippewa Falls. Rev. Arul Joseph will be officiating. Inurnment will be in Hope Mausoleum, Chippewa Falls.

Friends may call one hour prior to the time of services on Friday, Feb. 13 at Holy Ghost Church, Chippewa Falls.

Memorials should be offered to the charity of your choice in Dorothy Ann's name.

A special thanks to Dick and Isabell Krager. Dorothy Ann never had to worry about getting her mail in or her garbage out as they took care of these things for her. If they hadn't seen Dorothy Ann or one of her children for a day or two, they always checked on Dorothy Ann's welfare.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Midelfort Clinic, Luther Hospital, Dove Healthcare and Northwest Home Care for the wonderful care provided to our Mother.

Family and friends may express online condolences at http://horanfuneralhome.com">horanfuneralhome.com. Horan Funeral Home, Chippewa Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.