Dorothy Mester

Mester, Dorothy A. (Hession), 93, died November 7, 2013 in St. Paul, Minnesota her home for the last five years after a long and fulfilling life in her native Connecticut. Dorothy - Dot to most, was born to John J. and Katherine (O'Brien) Hession on September 19, 1920 in Derby, Connecticut. She reigned as the town tennis champion during her high school years, after which she worked her way through Albertus Magnus College graduating with a degree in Biology. Dot married Paul J. Mester (P.J.) in a union that lasted 49 years.

Dorothy was blessed with the traditional Irish sense of humor accompanied by an infectious laugh. She was the consummate card player whether engaging friends in contract bridge gatherings or her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in competitive card games. In addition to tennis, Dot enjoyed golf and horse racing, spending many happy weekends at Augusta and Churchill Downs.

Dorothy was pre-deceased by her husband P.J. and is survived by her daughter Judith A. Cirillo and her husband Alexander C. Cirillo of Woodbury, Minnesota, her son David P. Mester of West Hartford, Connecticut, and her daughter Janet A. Hay and her husband Eugene Hay of Eagan, Minnesota. Eight grandchildren were proud to call her Grandma - Michael A. Cirillo (Vicki), Elizabeth A. Phelan (Neil), Christine M. Thomas (Mark), Benjamin P. Cirillo (Molly), Michael J. Hay, Colleen M. Hay (Richard), Bryan P. Mester and Kelsey A. Mester, as well as ten great-grandchildren. Dorothy passed surrounded by her family, on her way to join her beloved P.J.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province and the Presbyterian Homes Foundation/Stonecrest - to whom we are deeply grateful. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of St. Rita, 8694 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota on Saturday, November 9 at 1:00 p.m, with visitation one hour prior to the Mass at church.