Doreen Noonan Hess

Harrisburg, PA - Doreen Noonan Hess, 60, of Harrisburg, PA, formerly of Groton, CT, passed away Jan. 24, 2022 at Spring Creek Rehabilitation and Health Center in Harrisburg. She was born Nov. 13, 1961 to the late Gerard and Barbara Noonan.

Doreen graduated from Fitch High School (Groton, CT) in 1980 and worked in retail stores during her early adulthood.  She courageously battled schizophrenia for 40 years and endured many health issues for the past 16 years.

Doreen was lovingly cared for by her brother and sister-in-law,  Michael and Gretchen Noonan for the past 28 years. She resided at Paxton Street Home in Harrisburg for 22 years. Paxton Street Home, an 85 resident, personal care boarding home, provides housing for adults with mental illness and intellectual disabilities.  Residents live in this home with dignity and participate in activities in and around the community.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Paxton Ministries for the love and care they provided Doreen. The family would also like to thank the staff of Spring Creek Rehabilitation and Health Center for the care they provided Doreen for the past four years when her health needs increased. Doreen was a quiet, gentle soul, who brought joy to all she encountered.

She was a member of Brookfield Bible Church in Harrisburg and grew up attending St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Mystic, CT. Her church community was an important part of her life.

Doreen is survived by a brother, Michael Noonan of North Stonington, CT and his wife, Gretchen; and two sisters, Lisa Noonan of Groton, CT, and Nancy Moon of Groton, CT, and her husband, Randy.  She also leaves a nephew, Kevin Noonan; four nieces, Kathryn Noonan, Brittany Noonan, Elise (Bryan) Sousa, and Erica (Phil) Aube; her aunt and uncle/godparents, Vernon and Mary Beatrice of Madison, CT, as well as many cousins.

A celebration of Doreen’s life will be held at a later date, with a service at Paxton Street Home in Harrisburg, PA, and a gathering for family and friends in Connecticut.

Donations in Doreen’s name should be made to Paxton Ministries, Attn. Development Office, 2001 Paxton St. , Harrisburg, PA 17111.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cremation Specialist of Pennsylvania, Avoca.