Dorothy Petersen

1928 – 2022

Dorothy was a loving, giving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, teacher and community member. She departed this world in June at the age of 94.

Following her childhood on the farm in Alberta and high school years in British Columbia, Dorothy moved to Kent, WA, where she met her beloved husband, Norman. Together, they had four children: Beverly, Christian, Elizabeth, Norman Jr., and foster son, Jack. She also dearly loved her seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She loved and supported her family devotedly.

Dorothy’s giving spirit touched so many of her family, friends, students, colleagues and community members. Raised an only child, she was happy to be a part of her husband’s loving family, whom she gladly helped in whatever ways were needed. As a young mother she also served the community as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, Cub Scout den mother, school room-mother, Sunday school teacher, and PTA president, earning the PTA Golden Acorn Award in 1958.

Later Dorothy began her career in education, teaching preschool for five years before becoming a college student herself and completing her BA in 1977. She taught Early Childhood Education at Green River Community College, then went on to teach the Childcare Specialist Program that she developed at Renton Technical College. During her tenure at Renton, Dorothy earned two Teacher of the Year awards and also was active in the Union, serving as Union Representative.

Dorothy’s love and dedication to community continued as she served Unity Church of Kent as a Board Member for several years, as well as Hospitality Chair and an otherwise very active member. For many years she organized a Christmas gift exchange program for the residents at Benson Heights care facility. She also belonged to the Allegro branch of the Seattle Opera Guild, serving as President at one point. Her great love for babies and children led her to volunteer for over two decades at Pediatric Interim Care Center, where she held and comforted at-risk babies, as well as helped with fundraising at their annual luncheon and annual Walk for Babies. She also supported Kent Food Bank, sponsoring a table every year at their fundraising breakfast.

Dorothy lived life to the fullest. She was an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction, and she especially loved current events and history. She loved culture, including baseball (Go Mariners!) and other sports, art, opera, theater, movies, and music of all genres. She was an avid supporter of her son Chris’ Jazz and her grandson Norman’s original music. Not one to miss out, she took every opportunity to enjoy all this music live. Her travels included several trips to her hometown in Alberta; a visit with family in Michigan; Mariners spring training in Arizona; travel to New York twice to visit her son; Washington DC; Japan; Hong Kong; and Denmark.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 17 at 2:00 pm at Unity Church of Kent, 218 State Avenue S, Kent 98030. Dorothy loved to feed people, so food will be served.

Donations may be sent to Pediatric Interim Care Center; Unity of Kent; Kent Food Bank. 

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