Obituaries

On January 8th, 2026 Dorothy Lee McPherson passed at the age of 81. Dorothy (Dottie) was born on October 29, 1944, in Newport, Kentucky to her parents Robert and Dorothy McSorley. She had three sisters (Cheryl Stormer, Linda Neisen, Mary Pat Veneman) and a brother (Robert McSorley).

She attended St. Stephens elementary and Notre Dame of Providence, graduating from Villa Madonna then worked a successful career spanning over 30 years at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington, the UK Medical Center, St. Luke Hospital and St. Elizabeth Hospital. Upon retiring as a full-time nurse, she returned to work at the Head and Neck Surgery Center in Florence on a part-time basis; a testament to just how much she loved nursing.

On December 31, 1966, Dorothy married the love of her life—Michael (Mike) McPherson. They spent 59 years together and lived in Lexington, Highland Heights (48 years) and most recently Alexandria, KY.
Despite a very challenging nursing career, she managed to bring into the world four daughters: Lisa Schwalbach (Steve), Angela Tymofichuk (Randy), Jennifer McPherson-Todd (Darrell) and Sandra McPherson. She is survived by six grandchildren: Tyler Schwalbach (Caroline), Courtney Schwalbach, Connor Schwalbach, Nathan Tymofichuk, Leesa Tymofichuk, and Nathan Annaballi and one great grandchild (Evelyn “Evie” Schwalbach).

Dottie was a loving and caring mother and wife. As a typical nurse she always placed other’s needs and care above her own. In her spare time, Dorothy loved spending time with her grandchildren, going to yard sales, countless trips to her favorite store, Walmart, baking, line dancing, crocheting and numerous crafts as well as camping and traveling.

Memorial donations can be made to the Hospice Foundation of America (local/NKY hospice).

Memorial service will be held at Cooper Funeral Home on January 15th, 2026 from 5pm-7pm. Service begins at 7pm.