Dominican Sister of Peace Sister Dorothy Sarachene, OP, formerly Sister Josette, died at the Regina Health Center in Richfield, OH, on June 29, 2017. She was 82 years old.
She was born in 1934 in Massillon, OH, the eldest and the only daughter of Inez Rugini and John Sarachene. She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic of Akron, now the Dominican Sisters of Peace, in 1954.
Sr. Dorothy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Ohio Dominican in Columbus, OH, a Masters in American History from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, and a Master of Theological Studies in Pastoral Mission from St. Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology in St. Meinrad, IN. She also earned several professional development certificates from the Diocese of Cleveland, where she spent most of her ministry.
Sr. Dorothy served as a high school teacher in Akron and Mentor, OH for more than 20 years. She spent another 17 years in parish work, serving the people of God in the St. Michael and St. Dominic parishes in the Cleveland diocese. She was also called to serve her Congregation, both as Directress of Novices and as a member of Leadership.
Even after her retirement, Sr. Dorothy was moved to help others. She assisted single mothers and their children at the Beatitude House, directed study groups for Congregation associates and was an active volunteer at the Crown Point Ecology Center in Bath, OH.
In her preaching at the funeral, Sr. Diana Culbertson, OP, remembered with fondness Sr. Dorothy’s self-effacing manner with this anecdote: “A few days before her death, Sr. Dorothy asked me if I would be preaching at her wake. I told her yes, I would, and she responded – 'Well, keep it short.' ” Despite her modesty, Sr. Dorothy’s strong will and determination, combined with her desire to work for the greater glory of God and the good of souls, made her a quiet but mighty force among her Sisters in the Congregation.
Sr. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Joseph. She is survived by a brother, John, nieces, and nephews.
A Vigil of Remembrance and the Mass of Christian Burial were held on July 15 at the Motherhouse in Akron, OH. She was interred at the Holy Cross Cemetery, also in Akron.
Memorial gifts in Sr. Dorothy Sarachene’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to:
Dominican Sisters of Peace
Office of Mission Advancement
2320 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH 43219.