Dorothy Irene Wright

Dorothy Irene Wright, Age 91, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away August 24, 2017. She was born in Bronx, New York, to William and Anna Norris, on May 19, 1926. She graduated from Winthrop High School, Winthrop, Maine in 1944; and received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, in 1976.

Dorothy was married on June 9, 1946 to, and is survived by, her loving husband of 71 years, Charles Andrew Wright Jr.

Dorothy spent most of her earlier years raising a family of five kids on the farm. She was very close with her beloved mother-in-law, Gertrude (Mamie) Wright. Mamie was like a mother to Dot, and taught her many things, from cooking and sewing, to life’s wisdom. She enjoyed baking, making jams, and canning vegetables from the family garden. She loved crossword puzzles, played a mean game of Scrabble, and was an avid Diamondbacks fan (even when they were losing!). Dorothy was also a true wordsmith, and loved to brighten a friend or family member’s day by often sending cheerful, handwritten letters and cards. Dorothy was at her happiest when surrounded by friends and family at her dinner table with a homecooked meal and lots of laughter; followed by a cup of tea. Proud of her Irish heritage, she was always ready to share a story and her wisdom with her grandchildren, friends, and other family members.

Dorothy was very proud to have gone back to school in her forties, and to have graduated with a degree in Social Work at the age of fifty. This was something she shared often with her grandchildren to remind them that it is never too late to follow your dreams, just as she did. After graduating from college, Dorothy went to work as a CNA for several years, and loved working with the elderly.

Dorothy was a devoted Christian who loved serving the Lord, and supporting her husband’s ministry throughout her years. She was proud to have been baptized in the River Jordan, near the Sea of Galilee, in 1984. Dorothy was very involved in church activities and serving others in Charles’ ministry. This included welcoming parishioners and their children into her home and her husband’s congregation, participating in Ladies Auxiliary, and always offering prayers and emotional and uplifting support to those around her.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her brothers and sister, William Norris Jr., Francis Norris Sr., John Norris, and Kathleen Weisbacker; and sons, Charles A. Wright III and Gary B. Wright.

Dorothy is survived by her sisters, Mary Farnham and husband, and Jean Clark; her brother, Richard Norris; her daughters, Linda W. Solano and husband Art, Kim Connor, and Sharon James; daughter-in-law Sandi Wright; adopted daughter Lisa Fedele; grandchildren, Patrick Bennett and wife, Nicole Aljets and husband, Shawn Bennett, Ross Connor, Kate Connor, Matthew Connor, Andrew Wright, Gabriel Wright and wife, Aaron Wright and wife, Sarah Wright, Peter Wright, Harmony Lynch and husband, Laura James, Jessica James, and Joshua James and wife; along with 23 great-grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A private graveside service is being held Wednesday August 30, 2017 at 10:00 AM, followed by a celebration of life at Charles and Dorothy’s home.