Dorothy Anne Kord

DOROTHY ANNE KORD

May 18, 1928-May 22, 2016

Dorothy “Dottie” passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones in her final hours and days after a long journey with dementia that took her from her active life, but not her desire to laugh.

Dottie was born to pioneering families that migrated and settled in West Seattle from the Midwest.  She married Dick in 1949 and raised her family in West Seattle until they both moved to long term care later in life.

Dick and Dottie first met when attending different high schools, but delayed getting married until Dick completed college with the help of Dottie’s typewriting skills.

Dottie loved to be active including dance and did it all with such grace. Her early years introduced her to tap dancing and later the West Seattle Hi marching team. In her 40’s she started her workouts at the local YMCA.

Dottie converted to Catholicism and was a faithful member and loyal supporter of Holy Rosary Parish with Dick throughout their married lives and for many years was active with her neighbors in the Children’s Orthopedic Guild.

She was always the warm heart and soul, the greeter with a smile and hug at the front door, the family domestic manager, the “cheerleader”, financial and inventory specialist, schoolwork advisor, spellchecker, shopper, cook, researcher and role model for her family. She was the ultimate organizer and list maker and her handwriting was a visual gift.

She was always guided by her logical approach and practical thinking, except when it came to hard work. Dottie worked tirelessly for her family so Dick could maintain his long working hours without interruption before he retired.

Dottie reflected her father’s innate engineering outlook to managing things for which her family was grateful. It came in very handy during those early camping trips and later when navigating by boat to Roche Harbor to meet the Sweeneys.

Every holiday and family event was celebrated with her special décor and details to match. Healthy eating and living was typically observed long before it was a trend. However, her love of chocolate, coffee and the sharing of that dish of ice cream with Dick each evening while watching the Tonight Show were the exceptions.

Known for her likability, Dottie’s joyous laughter echoed at the Manning Street gatherings, the sewing club, the Pinochle group, anywhere there was a gathering of her family, close neighbors and friends.

Dottie was so compassionate and empathetic to the needs and situations of others. She cherished the gift of her children, grandchildren, family, friends and neighbors. The greeting card industry benefited enormously from Dottie’s never ending effort to express her love, concern and recognition of others. She always made the effort to mask the pain of her own losses and challenges for the sake of her children and husband. That was her way.

Thank you Dottie for leaving us with the memories of a beautiful wife, mother, auntie, daughter, grandmother and friend of many. We can now rejoice knowing your personal challenges are over and that you are reuniting with those who have been waiting to share your joyous spirit, most especially your husband Dick.

Dottie is survived by her four children, Colleen (Allan) Sternoff, Dan (Colleen) Kord, Sandra Kord, Sue (Greg) Chambers; grandchildren Jennica, Jeff, Christie, Angie, Matt, Nick, Katherine and Natasha; great grandchildren, Kyle, Michael and Michael J.; nieces, Bonnie, Cathy, Lori, Mary, Margie; nephews Bret, Barry, Michael.

She was preceded in death by her life partner and husband Richard Kord of 64 years; nephew Brian Linn; grandchild Joshua; her only sibling and sister Marjorie Linn.

Dottie’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude and thank you to Sunrise of Mercer Island for their compassionate and attentive care.

In keeping with Dottie’s wishes, we are honoring her life with an intimate graveside service at Holyrood Cemetery at 11:00am followed by a reception at Salty’s in West Seattle on Monday, June 6, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite charity or in support of cognitive disease research in Dottie’s name.

Condolences may be sent to Emmick Family Funeral Services.

3243 California Ave. SW

Seattle, Wa. 98116

(206) 935-2207

Please share memories of Dottie on our online guestbook at www.emmickfunerals.com

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle