Dorothy Marie Willett

Sister Dorothy Marie Willett, 87, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, died Feb. 4, 2009, at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 68th year of religious life. She was a native of Waverly.

An educator for 42 years, Sister Dorothy Marie had long-lasting relationships with former pupils, and inspired some students to enter religious life. She loved to joke among other sisters, and tend to those who were ill.

She taught in Daviess County at St. Elizabeth School (1947-50), St. Raphael (1950-51), Sts. Joseph and Paul (1951-54, 1972-74), Precious Blood (1960-61), and Blessed Mother (1965-72). She taught in many other Kentucky schools and in Nebraska. She was assistant local superior at the Motherhouse (1985-1989), then provided personal and pastoral care until her retirement in 2001.

Survivors include two sisters, Kathleen Dunkel, Englewood, Ohio; and Doris Trapp, Mt. Carmel, Ill.; a brother, Vernon Willett, Evansville, Ind.; nieces and nephews, and the members of her religious community.

The funeral Mass is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Mount Saint Joseph Chapel, Maple Mount. Visitation is after 4 p.m. Friday in the Mount Saint Joseph Chapel, with a wake service at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be in the convent cemetery at Maple Mount. Glenn Funeral Home, Owensboro, is in charge of arrangements.

Gifts in memory of Sister Dorothy Marie Willett may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.