Dorothy Florence Shishim

Shishim, Dorothy Florence (Baumgartner) passed away on April 4, 2008. She was taken from us quickly and unexpectedly. She did not suffer and we are thankful that she is safely home in Heaven for eternity.

Dorothy was born on October 2, 1928 in Pembine, Wisconsin. She moved to California in 1951. Dorothy has made Hawthorne her home for the last 48 years. She is preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, George Shishim, who passed away in 1996. Also preceding is her beloved eldest daughter, Nancy Mielke, who passed away in 2007.

Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who spent her happiest moments surrounded by her family. As her daughters grew older, Dorothy found time to work outside the home as a bookkeeper/accountant for over 20 years. After retiring from her job, Dorothy spent endless hours volunteering her time to various clubs and organizations in Hawthorne. She was also extremely active in the local VFW Post 2075. Dorothy was an avid gambler and thoroughly enjoyed several trips to Laughlin, Nevada each year to participate in their annual slot tournaments.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters: Georgette (Michael) Nadal, Brenda (Timothy) Sullivan, and Peggy Shishim; son-in-law, Richard Mielke; six grandchildren: Sarah Mielke, Nathan Mielke, Meagan Nadal, Lindsey Nadal, Alyssa Sullivan, and Zachary Smith; her sister, Viola Kristoff; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends that will feel the weight of her loss forever.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to a favorite charity in her honor. The Long Beach Memorial Medical Center Foundation, The American Cancer Society, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Fund were three of her favorites, as she had been so personally touched by these causes in her own life.

Services will be held on April 8, 2008 at 11:30a.m. at St. Catherine Laboure Church in Torrance, California. Dorothy will be laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery with her husband, George, during a private graveside service on April 9, 2008.