Dorothy T. Kearney
Dorothy T.
Kearney, 95, passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 2:55 p.m. at
Waterford Place Health Campus in Kokomo. She was born May 8, 1917 in
Howard County, the daughter of Emmett and Elsie (Locke) Touby. On
November 4, 1942 she married Fred Billings Kearney in Kokomo, and he
preceded her in death on January 7, 2006.
Dorothy
grew up on the family farm in rural Howard County. She was a 1935
graduate of Howard Township High School and went on to pursue Bachelor’s
and Master’s degrees in Education from Ball State University. She
taught at Wallace, Riley, and Roosevelt schools in the Kokomo-Center
School system for over 30 years, retiring in 1978. Following her
retirement she was instrumental in establishing the interdenominational
preschool, Joy Day. Known to many as "Nanny", she will always be
remembered for her creative ways and love for children.
She was an
active member of the Rich Valley and Northview Christian Churches. She
was also a member of the Kokomo Art Association, Materian, Delta Kappa
Gamma, and Home Study Club. As a member of the Kokomo China Painters
Association, she loved to paint china and share her artwork as gifts.
She is
survived by her children, Mark (Pauline) Kearney, Kokomo, Caroline
(Kent) Tudor, Delaware, OH, grandchildren, Matt (Kelley) Kearney,
Kokomo, Jennifer (Dan) Hedrick, Westerville, OH, Kari (Matt) Stegner,
Delaware, OH, and Nate Tudor, Delaware, OH, great-grandchildren, Ethan
& Evan Kearney, Elise, Kylie, & Caden Hedrick, and Nina Stegner.
Her sister, Virginia Coan, Greentown, and several nieces and nephews
also survive.
She was
preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son, George Touby
Kearney, and three sisters, Louise Coan, Frances Touby, Joan Coburn.
The
family wishes to thank her friends and the staff at Northwoods Commons,
Waterford Place, Wagoner Medical Clinic and St. Joseph Hospital.
