Dorothy J. Ficocelli

Dorothy Ficocelli, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025 at the age of 89. Born on May 7, 1936 in Youngstown, OH, she was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Kohler Jones. She met Vince Ficocelli, the love of her of life, 73 years ago, and they celebrated 66 years of marriage. Dorothy touched the lives of all who knew her.

She was a 1954 graduate of Ursuline HS where she was a drum majorette. Dorothy was a stewardess for Northwest Airlines. She and Vince were members of the Marriage Encounter Weekend Presenting Team, where they presented hundreds of weekends and were in leadership for over 25 years. They taught a Matrimony class to Catholic high school students for over 7 years. They also did marriage preparation courses and precana for 15 years. Dorothy was a member of the Women's Bereavement Committee at her many parishes. She volunteered, and was a Eucharistic Minister, for the residents of the Mother Angeline McCrory Nursing Home and was part of the ministry programs for the sick in various parishes.

Dorothy Ficocelli was known for her adventurous spirit, love of living on the edge, her kindness, generosity, and passion and courage in sharing her faith in God. She dedicated her life to being the heart and hands of Jesus, leaving a lasting impact through her life and relationships.

Dorothy will always be remembered lovingly by her husband, Vince; children, Mark Ficocelli (Elizabeth), Lynn Sterling, Lori Ficocelli, Angela Rudolph, Chad Ficocelli (Talia); eleven grandchildren, Michael Ficocelli, Nicholas Ficocelli, Kaitlyn Sterling Louis (Benedict), Chris Sterling, Daniel Ficocelli, Matthew Ficocelli (Lagi), Elijah Ficocelli, Elliott Ficocelli, Evan Ficocelli, Emmett Ficocelli and Vida Ficocelli; great-grandchild, Abel James Louis; and many friends and family members who loved her dearly.

A service in Dorothy's honor will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 1401 Greenwood Hwy., McCormick, SC 29835. The family will receive friends and loved ones in the church hall from 9:00am - 11:00am with a rosary prayer service to begin at 9:00am and will be immediately followed by a funeral Mass and luncheon for the attendees. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be Friday, October 24, 2025, at 10:45am. Dorothy will be interred in the Columbarium at Good Shepherd Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations, in memory of Dorothy, be made to The John Paul Institute. Www.johnpaulii.edu/donate/

Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Ficocelli family.