Sister Dorothy Synkewecz of the Sisters of Mercy died Sunday (August 17, 2014) in her Milford home. Born and raised in Waterbury, Sister Dorothy was the daughter of the late Joseph and Antoinette (Zeber) Synkewecz. She attended both Sacred Heart Grade School and Sacred Heart High School and entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 8, 1951. Sister’s death occurred on the anniversary of her vow day 60 years ago. Dorothy earned a B.A. from the Diocesan Sisters’ College in Madison and an M.A. from St. Joseph College in West Hartford. She taught elementary grades in several schools throughout the state including St. Joseph, So. Norwalk and St. Mary, Bridgeport, but it was at the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall in Milford that she truly found her niche, ministering there for 27 years as a religion teacher, pastoral counselor and outreach coordinator. In 2011, the school honored her with the prestigious Claven Award. Sister Dot, as the students called her, was bigger than life! She loved people in general, but especially the faculty and the young women at Lauralton with whom she kept in touch long after graduation. A long-time member of the Mercy Justice Commission, she was committed to mercy and justice and instilled in her students an interest and deep concern for others. One of her many fine qualities was her appreciation for the smallest kindness. In addition to her parents, Sister Dorothy is predeceased by her sister, Ruth Sturman. She is survived by 3 siblings: John Synkewecz of Waterbury, Sister Mary Alice Synkewecz of the Sisters of Mercy, Hartford, and Carol Synkewecz of Florida; two nieces, a nephew, nine grand and great nieces and nephews; her Mercy Community family and many friends. Sister Dorothy’s life will be celebrated with a Mass of the Resurrection on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel of Lauralton Hall, 200 High St., Milford. Friends may call from 2:30 -4:45, prior to the funeral Mass. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery in West Hartford on Friday at 9:00AM. Those wishing to make a donation in Sister’s memory are asked to consider the Lauralton Hall Scholarship Fund at the above address or the Sisters of Mercy, 55 East Cedar St., Newington 06111.