A Legacy of Dedication to Learning Sister Mary Dorothy Neuhofer, O.S.B., a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, passed into her eternal life on Wednesday, October 14, 2015. Born to Joseph and Helen (Barthle) Neuhofer on June 19, 1931, Sister was raised in St. Joseph, FL, the second of eleven children. One of her siblings, Sister Mary Clare, is also a member of the community. Sister Dorothy is also survived by brothers Joseph, Paul, Frank, Pat, Mike and another sister, Lena Pearson; sisters-in-law Margie, Mary Ann, Marcia; brothers-in-law Mark Pearson and Pete LaBruzzo; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Her brother Leo and sister Trudi LaBruzzo pre-deceased Sister DorothyTrudi on the very same day and month, October 14th of 2014. Sister Dorothy attended public school and Holy Name Academy in St. Leo, FL. She graduated from Barry University, Miami, FL and then earned her Master of Arts in library science from Rosary College (now Dominican University), River Forest, IL. Sister also holds a Master of Church Administration, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC and a Doctor of Philosophy, library science from Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. Joining the Benedictine Sisters in December, 1950, Sister Dorothy faithfully served the community for 65 years in numerous capacities including prioress and archivist. She received numerous honors throughout her life for steadfast devotion to God, her community and to the Benedictine way. As a high school student, Anna (her given name) Neuhofer was the delegate sent by Holy Name to attend the Catholic University of Americans Catholic Action in Washington, D.C. In 1982, Sister Dorothy was elected the first female president of the American Benedictine Academy, a national organization to cultivate and transmit the Benedictine heritage. Sister explained that heritage to be intellectual, spiritual and cultural. She received in 1988 the organizations highest award, Fellow of the American Benedict Academy which recognized scholarly achievement and long-standing contribution to the Academys purpose. Sisters service also included president of the Catholic Library Association. After teaching for fifteen years in Florida Catholic schools, Sister Dorothy joined the staff at Saint Leo University. Her academic career of distinction there was as a professor, university archivist and special collections librarian. Recognized as a scholar in the field of Catholic higher education, she was honored by the university August 18th for her five decades of extraordinary work. Her doctoral dissertation later to be published as a book, focused on Midwest Benedictine college libraries that illustrate the strong connection between the love of learning and the Benedictine tradition. Sister Dorothys love of learning is a hallmark of her legacy. Visitation will be Monday, October 19th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm and a Vigil service at 7:00 pm at Holy Name Monastery (12138 Wichers Road, St. Leo, FL). Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Holy Name Monastery on Tuesday, October 20th at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Benedictine Sisters of Florida or the Sisters Building Fund, PO Box 2450, St. Leo, FL 33574.