Sister of St. Joseph Mary Dorothy Burnett, who celebrated her 75th jubilee in 2020, died April 9, 2021. She was 94 years old.
Sister Burnett entered the congregation in 1944 from her home parish of Immaculate Conception in Rochester. She earned bachelor’s degrees in education and history in 1951 and 1959, respectively, both from Nazareth College.
She began her teaching career in 1947 at St. Ambrose, Rochester. She also taught at Nativity, Brockport; and Rochester’s Sacred Heart Cathedral and Most Precious Blood, where she also served as principal. In 1964, Sister Burnett was assigned as principal at St. Mary, Elmira. She also was principal at St. Alphonsus, Auburn, and St. Thomas More, Brighton. She returned to the classroom in 1978 and taught at Holy Trinity, Webster, until 1986, when she then served for one year as acting assistant superintendent at the diocesan education office.
In 1987, Sister Burnett was hired as chief receptionist at St. Ann’s Home in Rochester, a position she maintained until 1997. After a year’s sabbatical, she returned to St. Anne’s Home as an on-call receptionist and volunteer. She retired to the motherhouse in 2009 due to failing health.
Sister Burnett is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Elizabeth; nieces, nephews and friends; and her sisters in the congregation. Her funeral liturgy was celebrated at the motherhouse chapel April 14, 2021, with burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministry Fund at www.ssjrochester.org or 150 French Road, Rochester, NY 14618.
