Dorothy Lee Culver

Dorothy Lee Culver was warm, witty, and wonderfully present. She embraced life fully, never missing an opportunity to learn, laugh, or love.

Born in San Bernardino, California, on October 18, 1939, Dorothy grew up in Redlands as the second oldest of four children to Frank Culver and Muriel McNeal. Her family later settled in Tucson, Arizona, where she would make her home for more than six decades. A graduate of Salpointe Catholic High School, she began her nursing studies at the University of Arizona and later earned the prestigious Kellogg Grant, which enabled her to complete her training and become a nurse practitioner - an accomplishment she remained deeply proud of throughout her life.

Dorothy and her son David shared an especially meaningful chapter of their lives while living and serving with the Indian Health Service on the Navajo and Apache reservations. She often reflected on this period as one of the most spiritually rich and transformative experiences they shared. She later continued her vocation as a family nurse practitioner at Cigna and then at the VA Hospital in Tucson, where she worked on the Blind Rehabilitation Unit caring for veterans with compassion, dignity, and unwavering respect. After retiring from the VA ten years ago, she moved to Washington State to live with her son, daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren, embracing a new season surrounded by the family she treasured.

Throughout her life, Dorothy lived with joyful curiosity and a vibrant openness to the world around her. As a child, she loved to ice skate; as an adult, she found peace in tending her garden. Her patio in Tucson - with its blooming flowers, trickling fountain, and the occasional rattlesnake she would calmly shoo away - reflected her resilience, humor, and spirit.

She was also an avid lover of the outdoors. Dorothy cherished the years she spent deer hunting with her brother John, and she hunted across southern Arizona - tracking mountain lion, white-tailed deer, and mule deer. She often shared stories from those trips with her signature wit and sparkle. Equally dear to her were the days spent at Roosevelt Lake boating and fishing with her mother, sister, and son. She delighted in fishing for bass and crappies and was particularly proud of the 34-pound carp she once reeled in.

Dorothy’s adventurous nature was beautifully balanced by her feminine, stylish side. She loved shopping trips with her sister Nancy and with her grandchildren, and she especially enjoyed getting her nails done - almost always choosing her favorite color, pink.

Her creativity ran deep. She found joy in sewing, crocheting, and embroidery, taking pride in making dresses for her granddaughter and embroidering hand towels for family and friends. These crafts remained among her most cherished passions.

After moving to Washington, Dorothy became an active and joyful member of the Red Hat Society, where she treasured the friendships formed with her “Red Hat Sisters.” She faithfully attended her weekly Bible study, sharing her faith, insights, and warmth. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a reflection of her appreciation for heritage and history.

Dorothy was raised in the Catholic faith and remained deeply devoted throughout her life. Her faith shaped how she loved, how she served, and how she approached every season - with grace, humility, and trust in God. Her greatest devotion was to her son, David, and later to her grandchildren. She loved them fiercely, supported them without reservation, and took immense pride in their lives and accomplishments.

Dorothy is survived by her siblings, John Culver (Cynthia) and Nancy Culver Kane (David); her son, David Culver (Julieanne); her four beloved grandchildren - Matthew, Benjamin, Rachel, and Nicholas; her nieces Alicia Carman (Tommy) and Jordan Goeglein (Mica), and her nephews Frankie Culver, Bill Culver (Jennifer), Johnny Culver (Jennifer), and Scott Culver (Amanda).

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 30th at 9:00am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Kirkland, Washington, with a Celebration of Life to follow in Mukilteo. Details will be shared with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy’s honor to the EvergreenHealth Foundation. https://evergreenhealthfoundation.com/

Dorothy will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generous heart, her quick wit, and her joy in beautiful things. She moved through the world with warmth and openness, offering care freely and joyfully. Above all, she was devoted to her family - loving them without hesitation and delighting in every moment spent with them.