By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Dorothy McHugh Coler was a mother, social worker, active volunteer and world traveler, as comfortable on the dirt roads of California in 1923 as she was attending summer opera in Cincinnati.

"She was terrific at balancing all the roles in her life, which I think made her an excellent role model for the women of today who have to balance work and family," said her son Michael Coler of Hyde Park. "As a social worker, volunteer and lover of life, she excelled."

Mrs. Coler died Tuesday at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Fla., after a long illness. The longtime Walnut Hills resident was 97.

Born in Mount Adams, she grew up in Walnut Hills and graduated from Walnut Hills High School in 1923 at the age of 16.

She continued her education at Trinity College in Washington, D.C., where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1927. She then attended Columbia University, where she was enrolled in the School of Journalism.

Mrs. Coler returned to Cincinnati around 1930, and took classes at the University of Cincinnati, where she secured a teaching certificate and a master's degree in social work.

She then began her career in social work, active in Florida, Tennessee and Ohio social welfare agencies including Red Cross Flood Relief, the Bureau of Vocational Services and Catholic Charities.

"She enjoyed her career, especially when it meant finding jobs for her clients, many who had specific handicaps," her son said.

During the 1950s and 60s, Mrs. Coler worked for Catholic Charities, first at Girls Town, a home for girls then located on North Bend Road in Finneytown, and later as a case worker for St. Joseph Orphanage in Paddock HillsMrs. Coler retired from social work in 1971, and she and her husband moved to Lido Key, Fla. Mr. Coler died a year later.

Active in both the Cincinnati and Sarasota, Mrs. Coler was a member of the Mercy Mariemont Auxiliary and Summit Country Day School's Parent Teacher Association, and was past president of the regional Trinity College alumnae organization.

A travel enthusiast, she visited six continents.

Besides her son, survivors include another son, Thomas E. of Naples, Fla.; a daughter, Sally Coler of Alexandria; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today , at Gilligan Funeral Home, 2926 Woodburn Ave., Walnut Hills. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, at St. Francis de Sales Church, 1600 Madison Road, Walnut Hills.

Burial will be in St. Joseph New Cemetery, Price Hill.

Memorials may be made to Cincinnati Opera, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202; or to St. Joseph's Home, 10722 Wyscarver Road, Sharonville, OH 45241.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com