Patricia Dorgan

Obituary of Patricia Dorgan

Patricia “Patti” Dorgan ended her earthly journey on April 11, 2019.  Patti was born in Chicago, Illinois to Tom and Kay Dorgan.  When she was 11 years old, the family moved to Tucson, AZ.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Daniel, and sister-in-law, Tina.  She is survived by brothers, Tom, Paul (Ann), and Emmett, and sister, Mary (Deborah), and nephew, Thomas, and nieces, Kate and Sarah. 

Patti had a passion for education and earned a B.A. as well as three M.A. degrees.  She always encouraged young and old to pursue as much education as possible. 

Patti had a big heart full of compassion so she became a social worker.  In her career, she worked in various positions in Phoenix and Tucson that allowed her to help people with a variety of health problems.  She first worked at DES and later was Director of Behavioral Health Services at Southern Arizona’s Children Consortium, Assistant Director at Pima Health System, Director of Services at Pima Council on Aging, and Director of Behavioral Health for Southern Arizona at United Healthcare.  She used her positions to advocate for patients and get them the necessary medical care and equipment; her decisions impacted so many people’s lives for the better.  She was proud to be the President of the National Association of Social Workers – Arizona Chapter.

Her curiosity made her an encyclopedia of information, and her memory made her the family historian.  Siblings joked that she could remember her life in the womb.  She enjoyed movies, music, and books.  If there was a new restaurant or store in town, she was among the first to check it out.  She was an avid shopper who got everything on sale; her garage was a mini-Costco with three of everything so if someone needed something she just gave it to them.  She enjoyed flower arranging and loved her fire and ice roses.  She had a great sense of humor and a positive outlook that drew people to her.  Because she knew so much about so many different things, she could strike up a conversation with a stranger, always leaving them with the correct impression that “she is a really nice lady.”

Her travels took her to England, Ireland, France (Lourdes), Italy (Rome), and every state in the continental U.S.  She especially enjoyed spontaneous adventures off of the beaten path with her companion, Wayne Wallace. 

She was not only a very generous person; she was also a keenly appreciative person.  During her illness, she expressed gratitude for the many friends and family who provided continuous, loving support.  She wanted to thank the staff at Arizona Oncology for their care, compassion, and hard work.

Funeral service will be held at Bring’s Broadway Chapel 6910 E. Broadway, Tucson  at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 18, 2019 with burial service immediately following at All Faiths Cemetery, 2151 S. Avenida Los Reyes.  Luncheon  wil follow at Harrison Hills Mobile Home Park at 4675 S. Harrison Rd.  

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Pima Council on Aging at 8467 E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85710.

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Thursday
18
April

Funeral Service

10:00 am - 11:00 am
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Bring's Broadway Chapel
6910 East Broadway Boulevard
Tucson, Arizona, United States
(520) 296-7193

All Faiths Memorial Park
2151 South Avenida Los Reyes
Tucson, Arizona, United States