Obituary of Dorothy E Whalen

DOROTHY E.WHALEN (98)

Died June29, 2021 in Hospice at Bayfront Hospital.

Born in Chicago, IL on August 16, 1922 to Florence Wilton Kelly and William Kelly. She had one younger sister, Joan Kelly Barrett who predeceased her.

Dorothy graduated from Aquinas High School and Chicago Teacher’s College. She taught Kindergarten in Chicago and suburban Stickney, Illinois schools.

After World War II she married George J Mercer when he returned from Europe with the Army Air Corp.

Together they had four children. Marilyn Mercer Terry and William G. (Julie) Mercer survive her. Richard C. Mercer and Kathleen Mercer McLarty predeceased her.

After George’s death in 1967, Dorothy met and married Jerome (Jerry) Whalen. Jerry was the Fire Chief for downtown Chicago. They were married in November, 1970. After retiring they moved together to Point Brittany condominiums in St. Petersburg. They were very active golf members of Lakewood Country Club (now St. Petersburg Country Club).

Dorothy’s 1st husband, George, 2nd husband Jerome M. Whalen and son-in-law, Michael S. Terry preceded her in death

Dorothy is also survived by her son-in-law, John McLarty and daughter-in-law Karen Mercer. She has seven grandchildren Christopher (Amanda) Terry, Kimberly Terry, Amy McLarty(Alex) Sunnarborg Chrissy McLarty (Allen) Whisler, Megan Mercer (Matt) Wilson, Jeffrey (Amanda) Mercer, and Scott Mercer.

She is also survived by three great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 28 at 11:30 am at St. John Vianney Church 445 82nd Ave, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706. Luncheon reception nearby will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.