Maria Rhodora “Dory” Catahan Morrison, 56, of Virginia Beach left this world and entered our hearts on Tuesday, October 17th, 2023.
Dory was born in Bulacan, Philippines to parents Rodolfo Sr. and Rosie Catahan. With her dad serving in the U.S. Navy, she grew up around the world. From Guam to Key West and Europe to Alaska, her smile lit up everywhere she went. Her father retired in Virginia Beach where the family later settled. She attended Old Dominion University, where she was an active member of Alpha Xi Delta and graduated with honors with a Bachelors of Science in Business. Married in 1999, Dory and Shane shared nearly 25 beautiful years together.
Dory created family everywhere she went, including at her workplace. From investment banker to working for nonprofits, she culminated her professional experiences by proudly serving as the Senior Donor Relations Officer at WHRO Public Media for more than 12 years. Her contributions to the community are immeasurable. To name a few, she volunteered with the Kempsville Woman’s Club and served as a member of the Board of Directors for the DEIB Committee, the Norfolk Sister Cities, and the Women’s Auxiliary Knights of Columbus.
Of all her accomplishments, her proudest was being the best mom to Claire Rose, loving her with all her heart.
Dory was kind and bright; a true light to the world. She was caring, thoughtful, positive, and always selfless with her love. Her innate ability to see the best in people left an everlasting mark in their hearts. The most important thing to her was being surrounded by the love of her family and friends.
She is dearly missed by her family: husband Shane, daughter Claire Rose, mother Rosie, father Rodolfo Sr. [predeceased], brother Rudy Jr. (Susan, Rossanna, Lilly, Alex, Mia), brother Rodel (Sheika, Bryce, Jordan, Adrianna), brother Dennis (Ann, Justin, Jayden), sister Rosita (Brooke, Savannah Rose), countless uncles, aunties, cousins, and friends.
Her spirit was so bright, there is no place her light doesn’t continue to shine.
Dory, we miss you and we love you so very much.
A service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 26th at the Church of the Ascension (4853 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462). A reception will take place following the service at the banquet hall. To see the livestream that is being facilitated by the church, please visit; https://www.facebook.com/AscensionVB
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in honor of Dory to one of her favorite charities listed below:
Please take a moment to CLICK and read about the organizations
WHRO (consider becoming a member)
Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia
Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOCA)
I was one of the lucky one of many to get to know sweet Dory at WHRO. We came together giggling and embarrassed after both failing to spell our rehearsal words at the annual spelling bee contest at the station. We shared that moment for several years; I will love, miss, and think of her always as such a perfect soul.
Sad to hear this news. Condolences to the family. I am so happy to have met and worked with Dory during Operation Smile and in this life. You will forever be lived and missed.
This is truly a shock! Maria was loved by so many. She was like a sister. We laughed and cried together. Maria was like a mother to my daughter Emily. She gave so much to family, friends, community and this earth. They were her passion. Maria will be missed by all.❤️
Dory was a wonderful woman. She truly lit up any room that she was in. We will miss her dearly
What can I say I was beyond shocked to hear dear DORY PASSED. She was an ANGEL GOD let us have for awhile. She had a way to make you feel welcomed and loved. We will miss you Rest in peace DORY WE LOVE YOU
A dear friend and co-worker, Dory was always hopeful and cheerful. She could always lift my spirits with a kind word and a smile. I will miss her so much.
Dory was such special woman. I enjoyed visiting with her, having lunches, hearing about her family, and supporting her during her cancer treatment. She truly loved life and gave so much love to so many people. I feel fortunate to have been on the receiving end and will miss her terribly. Sending warm condolences to the family. May her memory always be for a blessing.
My Friend, My Co-Worker…Dory was very positive, upbeat, and always had a smile. We often talked of The Wind… The wind came and carried you away, and you let all go. My memory of your beautiful spirit will not be forgotten.
My condolences to the family.
We will miss Dori very much. She has been our principle point of contact with WHRO for many years. The relationship has been more like that with a member of the family that you are very fond of but just don’t see that often, but you when you do, you wish you had spent more time with her.
Dory was a wonderful woman for this community! We will all miss her. I worked with her to build a great reputation of giving for WHRO. Even when she was sick, she was always upbeat.