Obituary of Colleen M. Dempsey

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Colleen Dolan Dempsey on May 15, 2023, in Binghamton, NY. She was 86 years old. Colleen passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and sister. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 44 years Thomas Patrick Dempsey Jr, her parents R. John Dolan and Eileen D. Dolan, and her sister Patricia D. Chivers. Colleen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who touched the lives of everyone she met. She is survived by her children, Thomas Dempsey and wife Ellen McCarthy, New York, NY, Dr. Caroline and Brian Murphy, Montpelier, VT, John and Jennifer Dempsey, Boston, MA, her sister JoAnn Dolan, her brother-in-law James Chivers, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Colleen was the proud Grandma to Aidan Thomas and Grace Colleen Murphy and Jackson Daniel and Lilah Shea Dempsey. A 1958 graduate of Cornell University with an adventurous spirit, Colleen began her teaching career in White Plains. She then took a teaching assignment in the United Kingdom and France with the Dependent Schools of the U.S. military. Upon returning to the states she taught in Long Island before returning to her beloved hometown of Binghamton, NY. Colleen dedicated over 30 years of her life to educating the children of Binghamton as a cherished teacher at Thomas Jefferson and Calvin Coolidge Elementary Schools. Her passion for teaching and her love for her students extended beyond the classroom, touching the hearts of countless individuals in the community. Colleen loved spending time with her family and friends. She was known for her kind, generous nature, her love of hosting gatherings, and preparing delicious meals for those she loved. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday. She took great pride in cooking a large, delicious meal with all the fixings for her family and friends to enjoy. Colleen also loved celebrating St. Patrick's Day and The Kentucky Derby. She was the life of the party. Her "holiday laugh" was always a cherished moment at all family gatherings. Colleen was the quintessential mother and grandmother. There was no distance too far for her to travel for any sporting event or concert in support of her children and grandchildren. The family would like to acknowledge the loving and compassionate care that Colleen received from the staff of Angel's Helping Hands, Ideal Senior Living Center, and Lourdes Hospital. We are so grateful for the care she received. Colleen will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was a kind, compassionate, and selfless person who touched the lives of many. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and the countless lives she impacted as a teacher. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Patrick's Church, corner of Oak and Leroy Streets, Binghamton, Saturday May 20, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Friday May 19, 2023 from 3 to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation in Colleen's memory to The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier, 60 Morgan Road, Binghamton, NY 13903. The Mass will be livestreamed at tinyurl.com/12w5eun or by going to https://sta-sp.org/