Dorothy Paterick, 91, doesn’t volunteer as much as she used to, but she still helps out several organizations.
She was born in Hickory Corners, moved to Suring when she was 2 and lived with relatives after her mother died. When she was 9 she moved to Leopolis to live with her father and stepmom. Paterick graduated from Marion High School and then went to the former Wood County Normal School in Wisconsin Rapids. She taught for a year and then married.
After her husband died, she taught school and took courses over the years, getting a master’s degree in teaching from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Paterick taught for 39 years, the final years in Shawano at Lincoln School and then 20 years at Olga Brener School. She retired 28 years ago.
She was married to Norman Paterick for five years before his death. She has four children (a son is deceased), four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She lives in Shawano, where she used to bowl and golf. Paterick collects angels and teacups and enjoys playing cards and flower gardening.
Q Where do you volunteer?
A “I’m a member of the Shawano County Historical Society. I was the secretary and used to be a docent. I belong to the Friends of the Library and used to work at the book sales. I am a member of the Shawano County Retired Teachers Association and help with the school bags. I go to the meetings, but I’m not as active. I was the secretary. I am a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary teachers organization. I was the president. If somebody dies, I take care of the necrology services. It’s a service to memorialize a member. I’m a member of the Council of Catholic Women at Sacred Heart Church. I was president several times and was the treasurer for the vicariate. I’ve worked at every rummage sale since I retired. (This year’s rummage sale will be held Oct. 24-25.) Now I do the jewelry because it didn’t sell very well. Now it gets displayed on boards. We can hang it up and it sells so much better.”
Q Where have you volunteered over the years?
A “After I retired the first thing I did was the Songbirds. I volunteered at Birch Hill for three years. I would read to the residents and help with the activities. I judged at speaking contests for 4-H. At church I was a RENEW leader and years ago I was a volunteer sub for the school. I also worked as a volunteer there. I taught religious education classes until I went to Florida every year. At one time I was a school board member. For 20 years I taught Junior Achievement about the home and the community to the primary grades. I was president of the Shawano-Gresham Teachers Association and worked with a group of teachers throughout the state to get women equal pay for an equal job.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “Because I felt that I wanted to stay active in retirement. Maybe because I felt it was part of being a teacher. If we all took care of our communities, it would make a better world.”
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