Patricia Barr Dorgan

Patricia “Pat” Dorgan, 75, of Houston, PA, died at 9:05 p.m., on Thursday, February 21, 2008, at The Donnell House, following a brief illness. She was born on September 18, 1932, a daughter of James Clifford and Jo Anna Burns Barr. Pat was very popular in the Washington Area. She worked for many years in retail at the Franklin Mall, most notably for Fashion Bug for 14 years. Upon her retirement from retail, she was a babysitter for many years, helping to raise over 30 children during that span. Her passion in her later years was being a tour guide for numerous bus companies, more recently for Groomes Tours. Pat also organized her own bus trips under the name of “Pat Dorgan Tours”. Her place of residence was the Heritage House of Houston, where she took great pride in her home, and dearly loved and cared for the other residents there. Pat was a member of the Washington/Greene County Blind Association and the Washington County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Council for the Blind. Mrs. Dorgan was a strong advocate for the blind and visually impaired. She volunteered her time to speak to children at various schools regarding blind diseases, and would also counsel individuals who have been afflicted with visual impairment. She attended the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Bentleyville. Pat graduated from West Alexander High School. Surviving are a daughter, Rebecca (Stan) Silvestros, of Bentleyville, a son, Daniel (Karen) Dorgan, of Strabane, PA; a grandson, George Silvestros; a special friend, Barney O’Bryan; several nieces, two great nephews, and one great niece. Deceased is a sister, Dorothy Barr McMurray. Friends will be received from 1-9 p.m. Sunday, at the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave, Washington, PA 15301. Services will be held on Monday, February 25, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., in the First United Methodist Church in Canonsburg, with Rev. Dr. Keith Simmons, Rev. Layman Davis and Rev. Brian Hall officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Washington/Greene County Blind Association; 566 East Maiden Street, Washington, PA 15301.