Sister Mary Dorothy Tecca, CSA, formerly Frances Leona Tecca, died on Sunday, August 4th, 2024, having recently celebrated her 82nd birthday. She was born on July 25th, 1942 to Catherine Louise Gallagher and Michael Tecca. She was one of fourteen children, and is survived by her sisters Dorothy D’Amico, Carol Corbin, her brothers Joseph Tecca, Thomas Tecca, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Mary Schrader, Mildred Kerg, Ruth Ann Grande, Rita Kathleen Mihalik, E. Virginia Tecca-Picone, and her brothers Michael Tecca Jr., James Tecca, William Tecca, and George Tecca.
Sister was baptized on August 16th, 1942 at St. Francis Church in Toronto, OH. She entered the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine on August 28th, 1960, professing final vows on August 22nd, 1968.
Sr. Mary Dorothy felt the call to religious life from an early age. She had known the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine (CSA’s) since childhood, having had them as instructors at both St. Luke’s School and St. Augustine Academy in Lakewood, OH. Inspired by the Sisters’ generosity and kindness, Sr. Mary Dorothy made the decision to enter the convent.
In 1963, Sr. Mary Dorothy began her years of ministry as an inhalation therapist at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland, OH. She later graduated from Timken Mercy Hospital’s School of Practical Nursing in 1965, and worked at Mt. Augustine as an LPN in Regina Hall. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Commercial Food Services from Kent State University in 1975. She then went on to serve in the Dietary Departments at Mt. Augustine, Parmadale, and DePaul Home.
From 1982-1990, Sr. Mary Dorothy returned to serve as the Director of the Dietary Department at Mt. Augustine. Beginning in 1984, she also concurrently served as the Manager of Crafts. Sister always ensured that the dining room was immaculately decorated for each season and holiday, creating handmade centerpieces for the tables. She also often made elaborate cakes and desserts for community events. Sister still baked, even into retirement, and her culinary skills have been beloved by her fellow Sisters, family, and friends.
Sister went on to serve as the Director of Volunteers at St. Vincent Charity Hospital from 1995-1999 before transitioning into pastoral care. From 1999-2006, she was the Pastoral Minister at St. Monica Parish in Garfield Heights, OH and from 2006-2023 served as the Catechetical Leader at St. Mary’s Parish in Elyria, OH. Sister had a deep love of working with children in these ministries, and found great fulfillment in helping adults prepare for the Right of Christian Initiation. Since 2018, Sr. Mary Dorothy has also served as a member of CSA Leadership, acting as Second Councilor from 2018-2021, and most recently as First Councilor.
Sr. Mary Dorothy will be remembered for her determined spirit, impeccable wit, and of course, for her baking. Most of all, she will be remembered for her ability to inspire others, and how she filled every heart with joy.