Dorothy Marie Nadeau

Dorothy, a beacon of zest and warmth, passed away peacefully at home.

She was born and grew up in Sartell, MN March 22,1927. She was George and Eva Johnson’s fourth child of six and first daughter. Dorothy's life growing up wasn’t easy, at age 12 her mother passed, and her and her two younger siblings were put in an orphanage until other family members came to claim them. As a teenager she lived with her Aunt Bessie, and at age 16 graduated 7th grade from Stearns County Public School in St Cloud on June 1, 1943. In 1951 at age 24 went to work at St Cloud Hospital as a housekeeper, later in 1953 she worked St Cloud Canning Association. In January 1955 while working at a dinner at the breakfast counter, she met Ernest E Nadeau who liked his toast slightly burnt. They started dating and on June 7, 1955, they were married. They had three children born in Minneapolis, MN, and by 1961 with number four on the way, they decided to move west by train to Washington state for work.

In May of 1969 she went to work for Everett General Hospital in the housekeeping dept, she retired after 21 years in 1990.

After years of renting, she and Ed bought their first house in May of 1975, and she lived there for 41 years. That house was the gathering place for all family celebrations, from holiday dinners to birthdays, and barbeques. With family, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.

Dorothy had a knack for crosswords and hand embroidering, crafting beauty with every stitch. Her Friday and Saturday nights were often spent watching the thrilling races at the Evergreen and Skagit Speedways with her kids and grandchildren, her spirit as vibrant as the races themselves.

An explorer at heart, Dorothy loved family camping trips and vacations throughout Washington and British Columbia. In retirement she went every weekend to Moses Lake to watch family and friends ride their quads and sand rails in the dunes. Her adventurous travels took her to Hawaii, Texas, Yuma AZ, Carlsbad Caverns NM, Las Vegas and many other states. She found joy in Safeway Employee Association events and cherished picnics at Forest Park, always ready to flip burgers before she headed off to work. In the late 1970’s her husband got into the CB radio craze, and her handle was “Lady Canuck”. They both enjoyed all the actives, dances and picnics with her fellow radio enthusiasts. They also were members of the local Eagles, because they loved to dance.

Dorothy was introduced to the world of Scottish Highland games by her son-in-law. With RVs in tow, she attended six Scottish Highland Games each year between 2006-2019, camping with her daughter Sharon and son Ken and their families by her side. On March 18, 2017, the board members of PNW Clan Gregor made her an honorary member, and it was presented to her at the Kelso highlands games in September of that year.

Dorothy's legacy is adorned with her famous "Dorothy isms," capturing her humor and wisdom in every heartfelt and fun saying. These phrases will continue to echo in the hearts of loved ones, a testament to her unique and delightful presence.

Dorothy's life was a series of rich chapters filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Her warm heart and indomitable spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by her devoted family and all whose lives she touched. While she may have departed from this world, her stories, filled with warmth and adventure, will live on forever in the hearts of her loved ones.

She is preceded in death by Beloved Husband Ernest E. Nadeau, her daughters, Barbara A. Burchfield and Darlene L. Woodrow, her parents George Johnson and Eva Mae McLaughlin Johnson, along with her brothers Wesley Johnson, LeRoy Johnson, Arthur Johnson, Frank Johnson and sister Marcella Vogelpohl.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Sharon M. Short and her husband Matthew, son Kenneth D. Nadeau, and his wife Brooke, her precious grandchildren; Amanda Nadeau, Daniel Nadeau, Kelli Rocha, Zachary Nicholas, Matthew Nicholas, Maggie Palos, Christina Steward, Jeremiah Nadeau, Malissa Burchfield and Sarah Burchfield, her dear great grandchildren; Ayla Burchfield, Thomas and Harrison Rocha, James, Demitri, Kaylynn, Bridget, Sayre Nicholas, Isabella and Olivia Nicholas, Luke, Annie and Ryan Padilla.

A celebration of life for Dorothy will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 3:00 PM at Evergreen Funeral Home, 4504 Broadway, Everett, WA 98203.