Dorothy Anita Roberta Horan, 90, of Old Greenwich, died June 17 at Greenwich Hospital.
Born at Little Flower Hospital in New York City on Oct. 10, 1922, she spent her early years in New York City. She attended Mount St. Ursula Academy where she met many who would become lifelong friends. In the summers she took to the ocean aboard her father’s Matthews Cruiser.
She had a lifelong love of the water, including swimming and body surfing, and she spent much of her summers on the water, including in Old Greenwich, when it was known as Sound Beach.
As a teenager, she moved to Carlysle, Ill., with her mother and stepfather John L. Moran, finishing her secondary education at Visitation Academy in St. Louis, Mo.
She later attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Mo., Connecticut College in New London and Washington University in St. Louis.
Upon completion of college she became a buyer for Jaccard’s Jewelry Stores and later the wedding consultant at Montaldo’s specialty store, both in St. Louis.
She also worked for Catholic Charities in St. Louis, aiding orphaned children and giving logistical assistance at Firmin DesLoge Hospital. During World War II she worked at the Army Ordnance Plant in St. Louis.
In 1955 she married Robert W. Horan of St. Louis. In 1957, the couple and their son John moved to Greenwich and a year later moved to Old Greenwich, where they had their second child, Robert Jr., in 1959.
She was active in the Women’s Club of Greenwich, the Women’s Republican Club, the English Speaking Union, the Women’s Investment Group of Greenwich and was safety chairman at the Old Greenwich Elementary School.
Her family said she maintained an active life including boating and swimming on Long Island Sound and Lake Waramaug, and at Innis Arden Golf Club and Lucas Point, where she loved to entertain.
“She enjoyed the best life had to offer — fashion, fine dining and travel to various locations around the world with her husband and family,” her children said. “Throughout the years, Dorothy maintained contact and support for many Catholic missions. Above all, Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother and sister who always thought of her family first.”
The family added that she had a “bigger than life personality, a quick wit and keen sense of humor,” while saying she will be missed deeply by all.
She died surrounded by family members. She is survived by her husband, Robert W., their two sons John and Robert Horan Jr., both of Old Greenwich, and a brother, Walter A. McCoy of Greenwich. She was predeceased by her parents, Walter McCoy and Selma Moran, and her stepfather John Moran.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Friends of Greenwich Point or to Catholic charities.
— by the staff