April 20, 1923 - July 11, 2012
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Dorothy Helen Harr-Burns, age 89, of McCook, Nebraska passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at Linden Court in North Platte, Nebraska.
Dorothy was born April 20, 1923 in Denver, Colorado to parents Clarence Earl and Dimis (Morrish) Converse. She was one of two daughters born to this union.
Dorothy graduated from McCook High School in 1940. She then went on to further her education at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, graduating with a degree in Home Economics. She later returned to UNK to obtain a second degree in elementary education.
Dorothy married husband Victor James Harr on Jan. 11, 1947, in McCook. The couple made their home in McCook where Dorothy taught at St. Patrick's Catholic and McCook Public schools. The couple welcomed three children; sons, Ray and Phil, and daughter, Dimis, as well as their foreign exchange daughter, Patricia Anderson. Dorothy lost her husband, V. James, in 1982.
In April 1984, in Lake Whitney, Texas, Dorothy remarried Dr. L.T. Burns and became a loving step-mother to children Michael, Gregory, Paul and Mary.
While living in McCook, Dorothy was involved in a host of organizations including the Altar Society and St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She also enjoyed graph analysis, ceramics, leather tooling, painting, knitting, golf and travel. Throughout her life, Dorothy had the opportunity to visit several different destinations including; Japan, China, Australia and Europe.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents; both of her husbands; son, Ray Harr; step son, Dennis Burns; sister, Anna Marie Smith and step father, Ira E. Converse.
She is survived by her son, Phil (Donna) Harr of Lincoln, Nebraska; daughter, Dimis Harr of North Platte; three step sons, Michael (Peggy) Burns of Fort Collins, Colorado, Gregory (Lynn) Burns of Kearney, Nebraska and Paul (Susan) Burns of Loma Linda, California; step-daughter, Mary (Pat) O'Dea of Loveland, Colorado; foreign exchange daughter, Patricia Backhouse-Anderson of Adelaide, Australia; as well as 14 grandchildren and step- grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren, four step-great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Memorial contributions may be designated to the McCook Ed Thomas YMCA or St. Patrick's Catholic School or the McCook Public School Education Foundation.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 13, 2012, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook with Rosary beginning at 7 p.m..
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McCook with Father Gary Brethour officiating.
Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign our online guestbook or leave your message of condolences for the family.