MADISON - Dorothy Irene McCloskey, age 80, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Heritage Monona. She was born on August 5, 1946, in Madison, the daughter of Francis and Lucille (Rosenow) McCloskey.

Dorothy graduated from East High School in 1964. Then graduated from Edgewood college with a Master’s from the University of Wisconsin in Education. She was a beloved teacher in the Madison School District for 25 years.

Dorothy enjoyed travelling, even driving on the Alcan Highway in Alaska with her teacher friends before the highway was paved. She loved animals, with Lily the cat being particularly special to her, even being present in her final moments. She also collected rabbit memorabilia, filling her space with them.

Birthdays were Dorothy’s favorite days, and she was happy celebrating her 80th birthday a week before she passed. Her love language was gift giving, and she would always give careful consideration to the gifts she gave. Church was also very important to Dorothy, and she held a deep love for her family.

Dorothy is survived by her sister, LuAnne (Ken) Nelson; and brother, Michael Daniel McCloskey;

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucille and Francis; brothers, Ronald Paul McCloskey and David McCloskey; and sister, Marianna McCloskey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Dorothy I McCloskey

August 05, 1946 - August 13, 2026

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