Dorothy Colgan

Dorothy (Benzmiller) Colgan of Westbury, New York passed away peacefully on January 1, 2021 at the age of 94.
 
Born on October 27, 1926 in Forest Hills, New York to John and Margaret Benzmiller. Dorothy spent her young life enjoying time with friends and family, including her brothers, Edward and John, and sister, Florence. She graduated from Dominican Commercial Girl’s School in Jamaica, Queens, in 1943 and then went on to study at the Katharine Gibbs School in New York City.
 
After her studies at the Katharine Gibbs School, she worked for 10 years as the administrative assistant to the President of McGraw-Hill in New York City. She later served as the administrative assistant to the headmaster of The School of the Holy Child in Old Westbury, New York for 26 years.
 
Dorothy married the love of her life Walter F. Colgan, Sr. of Forest Hills in 1954. Together, they raised four loving children: Walter F. Colgan, Jr. (Lai) of Torrance, California, Patricia Margaret Colgan Morrell of Garden City, New York, William Edward Colgan (Lorna) of Lakeville, Connecticut, and Christopher John Colgan of Westbury, New York. She is survived and will forever be remembered by her children and by her adored grandchildren: Alexandra (Gene), James, Christina (Michael), and Margaret.
 
In addition to her family, Dorothy (Aunt Dot) will be remembered in the hearts of her friends and her community. She was a dedicated member of both St. Brigid’s and Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Churches for over 60 years, where she served the community as a Eucharistic Minister. Dorothy and Walter found joy in creating a home in which all were welcomed and loved. Dorothy’s other passions included: cooking, entertaining for family and friends, crocheting blankets for family members, and traveling. She passed down her love of sweets (especially bread pudding) to her children and grandchildren.
 
Her life was blessed with friends and family members who will always remember her with a smile. 

 

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