Dorothy Anne Daly, 84, passed away on October 4, 2013 at Saint Mary's Hospital after a brief illness.  Born Dorothy Anne Whelan, Nov. 26, 1928 in Rochester, MN to the late Frank and Mae Whelan, she was a lifelong resident of Rochester.  After graduating from Lourdes High School in 1946, she worked at Mayo Clinic from 1946 – 57, and in 1956 married Robert C. Daly.  In addition to raising their four children, Dorothy also worked at Mayo High School from 1971 – 87 and Charter House from 1988 – 2013.

Dorothy loved getting involved and always enjoyed volunteering her time in many different activities and organizations:  Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Dorothy Day House, St. Francis Church, Police and Peace Officers Association, Elks Drum and Bugle Corps, as well as Rochester Community Education programs.  She was an avid exerciser, mastering Yoga well enough after many years of study and practice, to teach at various levels within the community.  She loved riding her bike throughout Rochester; even well before the bike trail system was developed.  She frequented the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, where it seemed everyone knew her by name.  Most memorable was Dorothy's ability to always make time to help others, those who needed a visit or just a cheering up.  She always had the most fun keeping up with friends and family.  She was a life-long learner and never shied away from trying and discovering something new.  To many who knew her, she was like a guardian angel, always looking to help others over her own needs.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Bob, and their four children:  Steve Daly of Maple Grove, MN; Tom Daly of Manhattan Beach, CA; Peggy (Bryan) Ashley of Kennesaw, GA; and Tim (Karen Fiksdal) Daly of Rochester, MN; as well as seven beloved grandchildren, sisters-in-law Barbara Daly and Mae Whelan, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, and by her sisters and brothers: Mary Aug, Marnie Brumm, Frank Whelan, and James Whelan.

Dorothy donated her body to the Mayo Foundation for medical education and research.  A memorial Mass for Dorothy will be held on Saturday, October 19th, at 11:00am in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Father Harry Jewison officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass.  Burial will at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, Rochester, once her ashes are returned to the family.

A special Thank You goes out to the wonderful group of Palliative Care and ICU staff at Mayo who helped care for and comfort Dorothy in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Francis Church, Girl Scouts, Mayo Clinic Hospice Care Program, or Palliative Care at Mayo Clinic.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com