Norah Bergerson Dotson

Norah Bergerson Dotson

If you met her on one of her many travels, at work at one of the hospitals she worked at, or in the cheering section of one of her children’s sporting events, then you knew Norah Bergerson Dotson loved being on the go.

Norah, a native of Michigan City, Indiana also lived in California, Georgia and Florida. But, for the past 25 years, she retired in her beloved hometown and passed away surrounded by her family and friends June 16, 2020.

Norah was born January 28, 1942 in LaCrosse, WI. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Michigan City, IN in 1959 and St. Mary’s of the Woods College in Terra Haute, IN. Norah completed a Dietetic Internship at Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco, CA. She had a career as a Registered Dietician in several cities including Sacramento, CA, Gainesville, FL, Jacksonville, FL and Atlanta, GA.

Norah was also a veteran having served her country as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Medical Specialist Corp at Letterman General Hospital , San Francisco and Fort Ord Hospital in Monterey, CA.

Norah had lost her immediate loved ones including her husband of 44 years Donald Dotson, her parents Mary Jane Dugan Bergerson and Melvin B. Bergerson. Norah also lost two infant sons, Timothy and Daniel and her brothers Patrick and Martin Bergerson.

Norah’s children include son Dennis Dugan Dotson (Carole) of Lake City, FL and daughters Patricia (Tom) Roberts of Ventura, CA, Moira (Ross) McCabe of St. Augustine, FL and Catherine (Steve) Petrides of Annapolis, MD.

Norah is also blessed with 11 grandchildren: Alexander Colin (Alec) Roberts, Seth William Roberts, 1st Lieutenant USAF Matthew Finn Petrides, Daniel Dugan Dotson, Timothy Wyatt Dotson, Anna Catherine Petrides, Elizabeth Jane McCabe, Isabella Rose Petrides, Reilly Rose McCabe, Luke James Dotson, John Ryan McCabe.

Norah’s surviving siblings include: Dr. Peter (Connie) Bergerson, Ellie (Frank) Parkerson, the Honorable Michael (Debbie) Bergerson, and Mary Ann Ahern, as well as sister in laws Patty and SueEllen Bergerson. She is also survived by her Dotson in-laws Carol Ann Borum, Mary Alice Golsen and Jim (Cheryl) Dotson. She is also blessed with many nieces and nephews and god children: Mary Clare Bergerson Lehker, Pam Dotson Brown, Coady Jane Ahern, Judith Nicholson, and Matt Swenson.

Norah’s license plate was "Beach Gal" as she loved every beach she visited, but especially Lake Michigan. She also loved traveling, playing bridge with friends as well as with cousins at the annual Coady Bridge Weekend. She was an excellent cook. If you had one of her pies or coffee cakes, you’d want a second helping. Her Fourth of July picnic was a family favorite.

Norah’s friends, family and her faith as a Catholic played and important part in her life. The visitation will be Friday June 19th at 9 am, followed by her funeral mass at 10 am at Notre Dame Church in Long Beach, Indiana. When you think of Norah, perhaps her favorite song will come to mind: "we’ll sing in the sunshine, we’ll laugh everyday, we’ll sing in the sunshine, then I’ll be on my way."

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