A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Dorothy Copson, D.C., (formerly known as Sister Immaculata) was celebrated January 27, 2018, at DePaul House Chapel in Albany, N.Y. Burial followed at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands, N.Y. Sister died on January 21, 2018 at St. Louise House in Albany. Sister was 91 years of age and 72 years vocation.
Born in Boston, Mass., on April 5, 1926, Sister Dorothy was one of eight children born to William A. and Florence (Collins) Copson. Sister Dorothy joined the Community of Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in 1945 from St. Gregory’s Parish, Dorchester, Mass.
A 1944 graduate of Cathedral High School in Boston, Sister earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Joseph College in Emmitsburg, Md., in 1966; she earned her Master of Science Degree from State University in New Paltz, N.Y., in 1970.
Early in her ministry, Sister Dorothy ministered in Child Care at St. Vincent’s Home, Drexel Hill, Penn., (1946 to 1952). She taught third and fourth grades at St. Joseph School, Martinsburg, W.V., (1953 to 1954); then Sister Dorothy served more than 20 years working with special needs children at Astor Home for Children in Rhinebeck, N.Y., (1954 to 1975) . Sister also served as the Local Community Superior. Most of Sister Dorothy’s time as a Daughter of Charity was spent ministering at St. Catherine’s Center, Albany, N.Y. During her years of service to the Poor, she was honored to receive the Council for Exceptional Children, Special Education Award of Albany. As recognition for her years of service, the following programs and services have been named in her honor: The Copson Library which supports those serviced through St. Catherine Center and Copson House Residence on New Scotland Avenue which offers a safe and loving home for Special Children. These honors she accepted humbly in the name of the Daughters of Charity and the inspiring staff who paved the way in these works. After retiring from St. Catherine’s, Sister Dorothy served as Sacristan of DePaul House Chapel and completed 17 years in this ministry.
On March 1, 2014, Sister joined the Ministry of Prayer at St. Louise House, Albany and served there until the time of her death.
Sister was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers and sisters, Robert, William, Frederick, Phyllis, Ruth, and Gerald. Sister Dorothy is survived by her sister, Jean; many nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews; cousins; friends; and her Sisters in Community.