Doris Jean Pirotte

Doris Jean Cohn Pirotte was born to Vida McDougal Cohn and Byron Spencer Cohn on February 25, 1925, in Topeka, Kansas. A delightful child by all accounts, she grew up in Topeka, and met her beloved husband of 65 years while they were both Washburn. They were married on April 3, 1948 in Topeka, Kansas. Tom’s employment led them to Houston, Texas, and finally to Wichita, Kansas, where they spent nearly every all of their life together. They brought five children into the world. Doris became a Catholic in her thirties and was very devoted to the Blessed Mother. Doris was a woman of kindness, gentleness, and integrity. She was beloved by all who knew her. Doris obtained her Master’s degree in Counseling at Wichita State University, and in her career, she touched lives at Kansas Newman College, Catholic Social Services, St. Patrick’s School, St. Francis’ School, and Hospice of Wichita. “Grandma Doris” was her title at the elementary schools, and that’s the only name she had printed on her business cards, along with her home phone number, of course. Our parents assisted Cuban and Vietnamese refugees, took unwed mothers into their home, supplied the Lord’s Pantry at St. Patrick’s and the Cathedral, started precana marriage preparation in the Wichita Diocese, financially supported all pro-life organizations, gave money to the missions, and secretly helped any needy person who came to their attention. Our mother donated her entire salary back to Kansas Newman College (after taxes!) Doris was a deep thinking, prayerful Christian. Tom would say, “She could light up a room, just by walking into it.” Such a blessing to have Dodie for our mom. Rosary 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 11. Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Monday, October 12, both at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Aquinas Pirotte. She is survived by her five children, Thomas Peter Pirotte MD (Angie), Pamela Susan Pirotte, MNRN (Gary Groner), William Spencer Pirotte CPA, Patrick Joseph Pirotte OD (Andrea), Mary Pirotte Hemphill OD (Wayne), 14 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established with St. Katherine Drexel Fund to Benefit St. Patrick’s School, 424 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202. Downing and Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel. Share tributes online at www.dlwichita.com.