Louella Kay Dorsey, 60, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cherished friend, and respected colleague of Baltimore, Maryland, departed this life on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, surrounded by members of her cherished friends and family. Born on April 8, 1961, in Hagerstown, Louella was the youngest child and daughter to the late Howard Lee and Catherine Louella Dorsey, of Hagerstown.
Louella dedicated her life to education and teaching. She was a 1979 graduate of South Hagerstown High School. She continued her pathway of learning and education by receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia, in 1983; a Master of Science in Nursing of Children, from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1989; and a Post-Master's Certificate of Nursing Informatics, from the University of Maryland, in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2000.
Louella started her career serving as a candy striper at Washington County Hospital, and a nursing assistant at Clearview Nursing Home in Hagerstown, Maryland, during high school. After completing the first part of her advanced education, Louella focused the inception of her career as a clinically practicing Registered Nurse, specializing in pediatric intensive care and pediatric home health. Lou always looked for an adventure, even in her professional endeavors. She spent several years in the 1980s as a traveling nurse, working in many states throughout the United States, including the islands of Hawaii. Later, she worked at several medical facilities including St. Christopher Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Critical Care Incorporate, in Denver, Colorado; John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland; and Medical College of Virginia, in Richmond, Virginia. Louella then transitioned into a teaching and mentoring role when she started the second part of her career at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital; Kennedy Krieger Institute; and most recently, with Mercy Health Services. Notably, Louella had a 31-year career with Kennedy Krieger Institute. She was an esteemed and respected colleague. She was instrumental and impactful to everyone she encountered.
Lou loved her friends and family alike. She was always there to lend a helping hand or to simply be a support to her family and friends. If she wasn’t at the beach or touring the coastline, you could always find her on the sidelines cheering on her great-nieces and great-nephews; making an infinite number of mints for bridal and baby showers or making her famous chocolate and peanut butter eggs at Easter; organizing and funding family trips to the beach; answering late night texts; teaching and certifying CPR to friends, family members, and colleagues; or attending dinner and shows with her dearest friends.
Louella was a member of the former Hagerstown Grace Brethren Church, as well as a current and faithful member of Cornerstone Community Church in Hagerstown, Maryland, where she taught Sunday school once a month and volunteered her time regularly. She was also a member of an elite group of women who call themselves: The Show Girls. This unique group was a collection of her cherished friends who attended regular Broadway shows at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore. These ladies were a true extension of her family.
Louella is survived by a sister, Rebecca Willard, of Smithsburg, Maryland, and her husband, Theophilus (Doc); sister-in-law, Belinda Dorsey; nieces and nephews, Joyce, Brian, Jennifer, Jessica, Timothy Jr., April, Elijah, and Chellsie; great-nieces and great-nephews, Dillon, Angel, Gary (Shorty), Jadynn, Matthew, Bethany, Rachelle, Josiah, Elaina, and Isaac Boyd, Madison and Lily Poole, and Mathew, Susannah, Jacob, Julia, Landon, Emily, and Benjamin; and three very special great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, Lillyana, Mia, and Kolt. She is also survived by several very close friends, including Laura and her children, Christina and Nick, and other very special and close friends, Beth, Susan D., Jodi, Susan, and Lori. Louella’s heart knew no difference between the love for her friends and family. In addition to her parents, Lou was proceeded in death by her brothers, Charles Lee Dorsey and Timothy Howard Dorsey; and great nephew, Trenton Anthony Boyd.
The loss of Louella is great. She was a fierce advocate for herself and those she loved. She was passionate about her family, her friends, and simply living life to the fullest. She faced many obstacles in her life, but she faced them with determination and force. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. It was her hope to have a grand celebration, with laughter, music, and memories.
Louella lived a life of generosity and servitude and was a faithful supporter of many organizations. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting you follow suit in her life of giving by considering a donation to an organization in her honor. Louella faithfully supported Cornerstone Community Church, Arthritis Foundation, and Samaritans Purse.
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