Dorothy “Dottie” Marie Hennessy, age 97, of Lawrenceville, Illinois passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025 at her home.
Dorothy “Dottie” Marie Hennessy, age 97, of Lawrenceville, Illinois passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025 at her home. She was born on April 6, 1928 in Lawrenceville, Illinois, the daughter of William Hamby Jones and Lela Marie O’Donnell. She married Thomas Willard Hennessy on February 9, 1952. He preceded Dottie in death on May 6, 1998.
Dottie was a graduate from LTHS in 1946. Upon graduation, Dottie attended Drake University where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She worked at Golden Rule Insurance Company for 23 years in which she served as an Assistant Vice-President in Human Resources. Dottie was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Lawrenceville where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, served as an elder, and was in the Presbyterian Women’s group. Dottie also lived a life of service for her community. She was a member of the Garden Club, the PEO Sisterhood, Friends of the Library, a Campfire Girl Leader, and a Cub Scout Den Mother. Further, Dottie served as a member of the IOC, the United Fund, the Illinois State Chamber, and the United Methodist Village.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Thomas; her son, Thaddeus Hennessy; and one brother, William Jones.
Survivors include: three children, Cynthia (Bill) Shaw of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, Timothy Hennessy of Lawrenceville, Illinois, and Reverend William (Beth) Hennessy of East Amherst, New York; six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be conducted on Saturday, October 11 at 11:00 AM CST at the First Presbyterian Church in Lawrenceville, IL. Private burial will be conducted in Lawrenceville City Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Presbyterian Warner Fund for the Needy.
