From Schaetter Funeral Home:
Karen Keefe Dooley passed away January 13, 2021 at Windcrest Care Center at the age of 88 years. She was born in Bloomington, TX on February 2, 1932, the sixth of seven children. Her parents, John Michael Keefe and Margaret Ida Warburton Keefe, gave her the name Margaret Rose at birth. She married John Dooley of Fredericksburg on October 8, 1977 and they enjoyed 41 years together until his death on December 18, 2018.
She attended Catholic schools in Victoria, TX and graduated from Our Lady of the Lake High School in San Antonio at age 17. Karen felt an early calling to religious life and professed her vows in the Order of the Sisters of Divine Providence and became Sister Mary Karen Keefe in 1950.
Her education was extensive. She completed a Bachelor of Science Degree at Our Lady of the Lake College, now University, and began teaching in Catholic elementary schools. Recognizing her keen intellect and caring nature, her Mother Superior chose Karen to study at St. Louis University in the field of psychology. Karen earned both a Master’s Degree and a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She was recognized for her research and scholarly writings and regularly invited to present her work at psychology conferences.
Karen’s career in education and psychology spanned some 50+ years. When she completed her studies, she taught psychology at Our Lady of the Lake University for many years. At age 42, Karen left the Sisters of Divine Providence congregation but continued teaching at Our Lady of the Lake University.
Three years later, her life took an unexpected turn. She met John Dooley, a five and dime store owner and community leader in Fredericksburg, who was raising 5 children, aged 13-23, after his wife, Veda Mae Dooley, passed away. The meeting was orchestrated by mutual friends who thought these two really needed to get together. Following a whirlwind courtship of six months, they were married, and Karen joined this lively family in Fredericksburg.
Despite her busy career, John always came first with Karen. She doted on him and took pride in caring for him even as her Alzheimer’s disease began to take its toll. She helped raise the last two of John’s children and became a friend to his adult children. Karen also had a special bond with her daughters-in-law and sons-in-law, affectionately calling herself and this group the Dooley “out-laws”. Karen felt especially blessed to have eight wonderful grandchildren, whom she loved sharing books and teaching them about nature when they were young. She was proud of their accomplishments as they grew up. She set a wonderful example of love, caring and service to others.
John and Karen also shared a love of dogs from the 2 dachshunds that came with her to Fredericksburg, the Schnauzers with puppies, and finally the many rescue dogs from the City of Fredericksburg Animal Shelter. She even took in other dogs (and a few cats) needing a home when elderly friends could no longer care for them. Just like the people she cared for, she could never say no to a dog in need. She was a familiar sight walking up to 4 dogs at a time in her neighborhood. (She said they were walking her.)
Karen continued to work full time while managing the Dooley household, first as the FISD school psychologist, and then enjoying a long career at Schreiner University in Kerrville. During her 18 years at Schreiner, she directed a support program for Learning Disabled Students, taught psychology and served as department chair in Arts and Sciences. She was also honored with the Schreiner Award for Teaching Excellence. She touched the lives of many students at Schreiner as their teacher and mentor. She retired in 2000 and was bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus in 2005.
In retirement, Karen devoted countless hours to volunteering at St. Mary’s Church in Fredericksburg where she served as sacristan, lector, religious education teacher, and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults teacher and leader. She regularly attended daily mass and stayed each morning to help wherever she was needed.
She is survived by her 5 stepchildren and their spouses, 8 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter:
Tim and Jerrie Dooley of Fredericksburg, Chris and Katie Raney Dooley of Bastrop, and Heather Dooley of Springfield, VA
Carol and Ray Stanley of Canyon Lake, Lauren and Keith Koenig of Aurora, CO
Jean and Scott Tellkamp of Canyon Lake, Katie and Justin Scroggs of Rockwall, Randol and Ashley Tellkamp and little Gracie of Houston
Chip and Lisa Dooley, Austin Dooley, and John Dooley of Daphne, AL
Greg Dooley of Austin and Jenny Dooley of Denton.
She is also survived by her sister Mary Ann Keefe Eichholz of San Antonio, brother Francis Victor Keefe and wife Sharon of Victoria, and many nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband John Dooley, parents John Michael and Margaret Keefe, 2 sisters Elizabeth “Libby” Keefe Cole and Sister Kathryn Keefe, two brothers, William Joseph Keefe and John Michael Keefe, Jr.,
Karen leaves a legacy of selfless work for others and devotion to God, her extended family, and many treasured friends.
The family wishes to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Windcrest Care Center and Knopp Retirement Center for their compassionate care and heroic efforts during this pandemic. We also want to thank Hill Country Memorial Hospice nurses Desiree Avilez who walked every step with the us through Karen’s illness and death and Minna Hogue; personal care attendants Irene Sans and Eddie Meza; social worker Brooke Bodenhammer and chaplain Rev. Ann Hoch. We also thank Tamara Korman for her enduring friendship and visits with Karen during her illness. To everyone who cared for Karen these last years, we are forever grateful to you.
As per Karen’s wishes, her body will be cremated, and ashes interred in a private family service at St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum. To keep everyone safe during this pandemic, a mass and memorial service will be postponed to a later date.
Karen Keefe Dooley passed away January 13, 2021 at Windcrest Care Center at the age of 88 years. She was born in Bloomington, TX on February 2, 1932, the sixth of seven children. Her parents, John Michael Keefe and Margaret Ida Warburton Keefe, gave her the name Margaret Rose at birth. She married John Dooley of Fredericksburg on October 8, 1977 and they enjoyed 41 years together until his death on December 18, 2018.
She attended Catholic schools in Victoria, TX and graduated from Our Lady of the Lake High School in San Antonio at age 17. Karen felt an early calling to religious life and professed her vows in the Order of the Sisters of Divine Providence and became Sister Mary Karen Keefe in 1950.
Her education was extensive. She completed a Bachelor of Science Degree at Our Lady of the Lake College, now University, and began teaching in Catholic elementary schools. Recognizing her keen intellect and caring nature, her Mother Superior chose Karen to study at St. Louis University in the field of psychology. Karen earned both a Master’s Degree and a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She was recognized for her research and scholarly writings and regularly invited to present her work at psychology conferences.
Karen’s career in education and psychology spanned some 50+ years. When she completed her studies, she taught psychology at Our Lady of the Lake University for many years. At age 42, Karen left the Sisters of Divine Providence congregation but continued teaching at Our Lady of the Lake University.
Three years later, her life took an unexpected turn. She met John Dooley, a five and dime store owner and community leader in Fredericksburg, who was raising 5 children, aged 13-23, after his wife, Veda Mae Dooley, passed away. The meeting was orchestrated by mutual friends who thought these two really needed to get together. Following a whirlwind courtship of six months, they were married, and Karen joined this lively family in Fredericksburg.
Despite her busy career, John always came first with Karen. She doted on him and took pride in caring for him even as her Alzheimer’s disease began to take its toll. She helped raise the last two of John’s children and became a friend to his adult children. Karen also had a special bond with her daughters-in-law and sons-in-law, affectionately calling herself and this group the Dooley “out-laws”. Karen felt especially blessed to have eight wonderful grandchildren, whom she loved sharing books and teaching them about nature when they were young. She was proud of their accomplishments as they grew up. She set a wonderful example of love, caring and service to others.
John and Karen also shared a love of dogs from the 2 dachshunds that came with her to Fredericksburg, the Schnauzers with puppies, and finally the many rescue dogs from the City of Fredericksburg Animal Shelter. She even took in other dogs (and a few cats) needing a home when elderly friends could no longer care for them. Just like the people she cared for, she could never say no to a dog in need. She was a familiar sight walking up to 4 dogs at a time in her neighborhood. (She said they were walking her.)
Karen continued to work full time while managing the Dooley household, first as the FISD school psychologist, and then enjoying a long career at Schreiner University in Kerrville. During her 18 years at Schreiner, she directed a support program for Learning Disabled Students, taught psychology and served as department chair in Arts and Sciences. She was also honored with the Schreiner Award for Teaching Excellence. She touched the lives of many students at Schreiner as their teacher and mentor. She retired in 2000 and was bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus in 2005.
In retirement, Karen devoted countless hours to volunteering at St. Mary’s Church in Fredericksburg where she served as sacristan, lector, religious education teacher, and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults teacher and leader. She regularly attended daily mass and stayed each morning to help wherever she was needed.
She is survived by her 5 stepchildren and their spouses, 8 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter:
Tim and Jerrie Dooley of Fredericksburg, Chris and Katie Raney Dooley of Bastrop, and Heather Dooley of Springfield, VA
Carol and Ray Stanley of Canyon Lake, Lauren and Keith Koenig of Aurora, CO
Jean and Scott Tellkamp of Canyon Lake, Katie and Justin Scroggs of Rockwall, Randol and Ashley Tellkamp and little Gracie of Houston
Chip and Lisa Dooley, Austin Dooley, and John Dooley of Daphne, AL
Greg Dooley of Austin and Jenny Dooley of Denton.
She is also survived by her sister Mary Ann Keefe Eichholz of San Antonio, brother Francis Victor Keefe and wife Sharon of Victoria, and many nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband John Dooley, parents John Michael and Margaret Keefe, 2 sisters Elizabeth “Libby” Keefe Cole and Sister Kathryn Keefe, two brothers, William Joseph Keefe and John Michael Keefe, Jr.,
Karen leaves a legacy of selfless work for others and devotion to God, her extended family, and many treasured friends.
The family wishes to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Windcrest Care Center and Knopp Retirement Center for their compassionate care and heroic efforts during this pandemic. We also want to thank Hill Country Memorial Hospice nurses Desiree Avilez who walked every step with the us through Karen’s illness and death and Minna Hogue; personal care attendants Irene Sans and Eddie Meza; social worker Brooke Bodenhammer and chaplain Rev. Ann Hoch. We also thank Tamara Korman for her enduring friendship and visits with Karen during her illness. To everyone who cared for Karen these last years, we are forever grateful to you.
As per Karen’s wishes, her body will be cremated, and ashes interred in a private family service at St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum. To keep everyone safe during this pandemic, a mass and memorial service will be postponed to a later date.
From Schaetter Funeral Home:
Karen Keefe Dooley passed away January 13, 2021 at Windcrest Care Center at the age of 88 years. She was born in Bloomington, TX on February 2, 1932, the sixth of seven children. Her parents, John Michael Keefe and Margaret Ida Warburton Keefe, gave her the name Margaret Rose at birth. She married John Dooley of Fredericksburg on October 8, 1977 and they enjoyed 41 years together until his death on December 18, 2018.
She attended Catholic schools in Victoria, TX and graduated from Our Lady of the Lake High School in San Antonio at age 17. Karen felt an early calling to religious life and professed her vows in the Order of the Sisters of Divine Providence and became Sister Mary Karen Keefe in 1950.
Her education was extensive. She completed a Bachelor of Science Degree at Our Lady of the Lake College, now University, and began teaching in Catholic elementary schools. Recognizing her keen intellect and caring nature, her Mother Superior chose Karen to study at St. Louis University in the field of psychology. Karen earned both a Master’s Degree and a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She was recognized for her research and scholarly writings and regularly invited to present her work at psychology conferences.
Karen’s career in education and psychology spanned some 50+ years. When she completed her studies, she taught psychology at Our Lady of the Lake University for many years. At age 42, Karen left the Sisters of Divine Providence congregation but continued teaching at Our Lady of the Lake University.
Three years later, her life took an unexpected turn. She met John Dooley, a five and dime store owner and community leader in Fredericksburg, who was raising 5 children, aged 13-23, after his wife, Veda Mae Dooley, passed away. The meeting was orchestrated by mutual friends who thought these two really needed to get together. Following a whirlwind courtship of six months, they were married, and Karen joined this lively family in Fredericksburg.
Despite her busy career, John always came first with Karen. She doted on him and took pride in caring for him even as her Alzheimer’s disease began to take its toll. She helped raise the last two of John’s children and became a friend to his adult children. Karen also had a special bond with her daughters-in-law and sons-in-law, affectionately calling herself and this group the Dooley “out-laws”. Karen felt especially blessed to have eight wonderful grandchildren, whom she loved sharing books and teaching them about nature when they were young. She was proud of their accomplishments as they grew up. She set a wonderful example of love, caring and service to others.
John and Karen also shared a love of dogs from the 2 dachshunds that came with her to Fredericksburg, the Schnauzers with puppies, and finally the many rescue dogs from the City of Fredericksburg Animal Shelter. She even took in other dogs (and a few cats) needing a home when elderly friends could no longer care for them. Just like the people she cared for, she could never say no to a dog in need. She was a familiar sight walking up to 4 dogs at a time in her neighborhood. (She said they were walking her.)
Karen continued to work full time while managing the Dooley household, first as the FISD school psychologist, and then enjoying a long career at Schreiner University in Kerrville. During her 18 years at Schreiner, she directed a support program for Learning Disabled Students, taught psychology and served as department chair in Arts and Sciences. She was also honored with the Schreiner Award for Teaching Excellence. She touched the lives of many students at Schreiner as their teacher and mentor. She retired in 2000 and was bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus in 2005.
In retirement, Karen devoted countless hours to volunteering at St. Mary’s Church in Fredericksburg where she served as sacristan, lector, religious education teacher, and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults teacher and leader. She regularly attended daily mass and stayed each morning to help wherever she was needed.
She is survived by her 5 stepchildren and their spouses, 8 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter:
Tim and Jerrie Dooley of Fredericksburg, Chris and Katie Raney Dooley of Bastrop, and Heather Dooley of Springfield, VA
Carol and Ray Stanley of Canyon Lake, Lauren and Keith Koenig of Aurora, CO
Jean and Scott Tellkamp of Canyon Lake, Katie and Justin Scroggs of Rockwall, Randol and Ashley Tellkamp and little Gracie of Houston
Chip and Lisa Dooley, Austin Dooley, and John Dooley of Daphne, AL
Greg Dooley of Austin and Jenny Dooley of Denton.
She is also survived by her sister Mary Ann Keefe Eichholz of San Antonio, brother Francis Victor Keefe and wife Sharon of Victoria, and many nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband John Dooley, parents John Michael and Margaret Keefe, 2 sisters Elizabeth “Libby” Keefe Cole and Sister Kathryn Keefe, two brothers, William Joseph Keefe and John Michael Keefe, Jr.,
Karen leaves a legacy of selfless work for others and devotion to God, her extended family, and many treasured friends.
The family wishes to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Windcrest Care Center and Knopp Retirement Center for their compassionate care and heroic efforts during this pandemic. We also want to thank Hill Country Memorial Hospice nurses Desiree Avilez who walked every step with the us through Karen’s illness and death and Minna Hogue; personal care attendants Irene Sans and Eddie Meza; social worker Brooke Bodenhammer and chaplain Rev. Ann Hoch. We also thank Tamara Korman for her enduring friendship and visits with Karen during her illness. To everyone who cared for Karen these last years, we are forever grateful to you.
As per Karen’s wishes, her body will be cremated, and ashes interred in a private family service at St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum. To keep everyone safe during this pandemic, a mass and memorial service will be postponed to a later date.
Karen Keefe Dooley passed away January 13, 2021 at Windcrest Care Center at the age of 88 years. She was born in Bloomington, TX on February 2, 1932, the sixth of seven children. Her parents, John Michael Keefe and Margaret Ida Warburton Keefe, gave her the name Margaret Rose at birth. She married John Dooley of Fredericksburg on October 8, 1977 and they enjoyed 41 years together until his death on December 18, 2018.
She attended Catholic schools in Victoria, TX and graduated from Our Lady of the Lake High School in San Antonio at age 17. Karen felt an early calling to religious life and professed her vows in the Order of the Sisters of Divine Providence and became Sister Mary Karen Keefe in 1950.
Her education was extensive. She completed a Bachelor of Science Degree at Our Lady of the Lake College, now University, and began teaching in Catholic elementary schools. Recognizing her keen intellect and caring nature, her Mother Superior chose Karen to study at St. Louis University in the field of psychology. Karen earned both a Master’s Degree and a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She was recognized for her research and scholarly writings and regularly invited to present her work at psychology conferences.
Karen’s career in education and psychology spanned some 50+ years. When she completed her studies, she taught psychology at Our Lady of the Lake University for many years. At age 42, Karen left the Sisters of Divine Providence congregation but continued teaching at Our Lady of the Lake University.
Three years later, her life took an unexpected turn. She met John Dooley, a five and dime store owner and community leader in Fredericksburg, who was raising 5 children, aged 13-23, after his wife, Veda Mae Dooley, passed away. The meeting was orchestrated by mutual friends who thought these two really needed to get together. Following a whirlwind courtship of six months, they were married, and Karen joined this lively family in Fredericksburg.
Despite her busy career, John always came first with Karen. She doted on him and took pride in caring for him even as her Alzheimer’s disease began to take its toll. She helped raise the last two of John’s children and became a friend to his adult children. Karen also had a special bond with her daughters-in-law and sons-in-law, affectionately calling herself and this group the Dooley “out-laws”. Karen felt especially blessed to have eight wonderful grandchildren, whom she loved sharing books and teaching them about nature when they were young. She was proud of their accomplishments as they grew up. She set a wonderful example of love, caring and service to others.
John and Karen also shared a love of dogs from the 2 dachshunds that came with her to Fredericksburg, the Schnauzers with puppies, and finally the many rescue dogs from the City of Fredericksburg Animal Shelter. She even took in other dogs (and a few cats) needing a home when elderly friends could no longer care for them. Just like the people she cared for, she could never say no to a dog in need. She was a familiar sight walking up to 4 dogs at a time in her neighborhood. (She said they were walking her.)
Karen continued to work full time while managing the Dooley household, first as the FISD school psychologist, and then enjoying a long career at Schreiner University in Kerrville. During her 18 years at Schreiner, she directed a support program for Learning Disabled Students, taught psychology and served as department chair in Arts and Sciences. She was also honored with the Schreiner Award for Teaching Excellence. She touched the lives of many students at Schreiner as their teacher and mentor. She retired in 2000 and was bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus in 2005.
In retirement, Karen devoted countless hours to volunteering at St. Mary’s Church in Fredericksburg where she served as sacristan, lector, religious education teacher, and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults teacher and leader. She regularly attended daily mass and stayed each morning to help wherever she was needed.
She is survived by her 5 stepchildren and their spouses, 8 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter:
Tim and Jerrie Dooley of Fredericksburg, Chris and Katie Raney Dooley of Bastrop, and Heather Dooley of Springfield, VA
Carol and Ray Stanley of Canyon Lake, Lauren and Keith Koenig of Aurora, CO
Jean and Scott Tellkamp of Canyon Lake, Katie and Justin Scroggs of Rockwall, Randol and Ashley Tellkamp and little Gracie of Houston
Chip and Lisa Dooley, Austin Dooley, and John Dooley of Daphne, AL
Greg Dooley of Austin and Jenny Dooley of Denton.
She is also survived by her sister Mary Ann Keefe Eichholz of San Antonio, brother Francis Victor Keefe and wife Sharon of Victoria, and many nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband John Dooley, parents John Michael and Margaret Keefe, 2 sisters Elizabeth “Libby” Keefe Cole and Sister Kathryn Keefe, two brothers, William Joseph Keefe and John Michael Keefe, Jr.,
Karen leaves a legacy of selfless work for others and devotion to God, her extended family, and many treasured friends.
The family wishes to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Windcrest Care Center and Knopp Retirement Center for their compassionate care and heroic efforts during this pandemic. We also want to thank Hill Country Memorial Hospice nurses Desiree Avilez who walked every step with the us through Karen’s illness and death and Minna Hogue; personal care attendants Irene Sans and Eddie Meza; social worker Brooke Bodenhammer and chaplain Rev. Ann Hoch. We also thank Tamara Korman for her enduring friendship and visits with Karen during her illness. To everyone who cared for Karen these last years, we are forever grateful to you.
As per Karen’s wishes, her body will be cremated, and ashes interred in a private family service at St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum. To keep everyone safe during this pandemic, a mass and memorial service will be postponed to a later date.
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