Dorothy A. Heikkila

On February 21, 1922, Dorothy Alice Curl was welcomed into this world by her father, Carl Walter, her mother, Theresa Alexandria, and sister, Margaret Perry. She would later be joined by sister, Holly Jean. They lived up the Kilchis River outside of Tillamook, OR.

Her father was a dairy farmer, and she became his “son” as she learned to milk cows, tend to their needs, and.work around the farm.

In 1942 she married the love of her life, LeRoy William Heikkila, a logger who later would run his own outfit – she became the keeper of the books.

During their time in Oregon, four children were born into the family. In 1955, the family moved to Santa Cruz California where the children were raised, and various family members and foreign exchange students were welcomed into the household.

While in Santa Cruz, Dad was able to pursue his desire to learn to fly.- He did – and then he talked Mom into learning to fly. As licensed pilots with their own plane they traveled the United Sates visiting family and friends.

Later they were able to travel to Finland, meeting family members there; Mom and Carlene visited Japan; and the folks visited and traveled with family in Europe. (Mom loved to travel).

As their own children left home they continued to make their home open to their grandchildren, making the way for very close intergenerational relationships.

When Facebook came into her life, she used it to keep track of ‘her brood,’ letting their parents know when someone needed a good talking to.

She was preceded in death by her husband, sisters, and son, William LeRoy.

She leaves behind:

Margaret, married to Tom Baker – six children/14 grandchildren/five great-grandchildren.

Carlene, married to Ray Willard – two sons/six grandchildren.

Linda, married to Ray Stamps – four children/11 grandchildren.

From her sister, Mickey, a niece, a nephew and their families

From her sister, Jean, a niece and two nephews and their families.

Brother-in-law, Bobbie and sisters-in-law Heidi and Rose.

Five nieces and five nephews (Heikkila).

In living her life, she taught us how to live our lives.

Proverbs 31