Dorothy Albers Douse

Born April 11, 1941, to Donald and Dottie Albers, Dorothy spent her younger years in Grand Rapids, Michigan, along with her sister, Barbara Albers Rinella.

Dorothy attended college at Duke University, graduating with a BA in Education in 1963. She married George Hunt Douse soon thereafter, and his military service took them to England, South Carolina, and eventually, Northern Virginia.

Dorothy was involved with Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the Junior League of Washington, D.C., and the Meridian International Center, holding various leadership positions. She was passionate about sharing her love of history which led her to become a tour guide, a job she enjoyed for twenty years. In 2002, Dorothy served as President of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides. After retiring from touring, Dorothy became a docent at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, giving tours of the renowned memorial.

Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an avid reader, enjoyed playing tennis and golf at the Army Navy Country Club, and was a long-time member of the St. John's Episcopal Church in McLean, Virginia.

Dorothy was preceeded in death by her loving husband, George Hunt Douse. She is survived by her three daughters: Heather Holland (Mark), Stephanie Hyman (Harris), and Melissa Cole (Cameron); nine grandchildren: Devon Holland Wagner (David), Jonathan Hunt Holland, Sarah Elizabeth Holland, Catherine Anne Hyman, Harris Walker Hyman, George Mashall Hyman, Emma Grace Cole, Ursula Ann Cole, Estelle Douse Cole; and one great-grandchild: Elle Holland Wagner.

A service celebrating Dorothy's life will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 6715 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101 on Friday, April 12, at 11:00 am.