We came to know Dorothy when our daughter was very young.  She cared for Melissa while I worked at a retail job.
She was a woman of many talents and accomplishments, having learned practical skills on her family’s farm in Manitoba.  She was creative.  She was generous.  She cared about people and had a loving heart and listening ear.  She drew people to her, hers was the purest kind of friendship.  She gave freely of her time and her talents.  She was a nurturer:  of her family and her friends and neighbors.  
In her employment at the hospital she was known as “Smiley”.  While working at Joanne Fabrics, she guided customers in the fabric and sewing needs, and the how -to’s of their chosen projects.  She greeted customers at Costco with samples of new products.  She was “Mama Dorothy” to our two children.  They stayed with her and Daddy Ray and their family when Ken’s job required him to travel ( and when I got to go as well.)
When Brian and our Melissa were in the same grade school, Dorothy and I joined forces to help out with various projects.  There was the Halloween Festival:  we turned the gym into a pumpkin patch.  She created a fabulous scarecrow and she (and Ray) brought in corn stalks and pumpkins.  We had the Peanuts characters interspersed throughout.  For the PTA’s fair, as a money maker, we ran the gingerbread cookie booth.  She, having made all the cookies beforehand and having the icing and candies ready for the children to decorate.  Naturally, it was a  favorite with the children and we did well—thanks to Dorothy!
Most here know what consummate gardeners Ray and Dorothy have been all their lives, earning an award from Edmonds-in-Bloom one year.  She and Ray learned these skills when so young and growing up on the farms.  She saved her own seeds to plant and shared both the plants and their garden bounty—the most generous, she and Ray, of their time and talents and their gifts.  She was a loving and nurturing and generous soul. 

I consider myself one of the truly lucky ones by getting to share Dorothy as part of my extended family through Julie.

I never knew Dorothy to not have a smile on her face, even through the many health challenges she’s faced over the last few years. 

She had a great sense of humor and a wealth of knowledge in everything from gardening to baking. She never arrived to a family event without an overabundance of baked goods for which we all benefited from. I will be baking up a batch of her molasses cookies in her honor, although they won’t compare to hers!

The gardens of Heaven just gained another incredible caretaker, although I’m sure Dorothy is up there making some type of process improvement.


Bar Tessie who lives in England and visited Ray & Dorothy at their home on one occasion, we were not fortunate to have known Dorothy.  By the glowing comments from Gloria all the years she has been part of the Anderson family, we knew that Dorothy was a warm, caring, generous and loving individual.

We share in your grief and hope you take comfort that Dorothy is resting peacefully.

Our deepest condolences,
The Cristobals 
Vic Jr., Marianne, Tessie, Eileen, Lennie
(& our families)

Dorothy Anderson

Such a wonderful pleasure to have known Dorothy.
What a genuine lovely smile and laugh she had for all.
No wonder that we always wanted to visit her (and Ray too).

We have so many wonderful memories of Dorothy.
A good cook and baker, her homemade apple pie was a big delight.
And we cherished taking that back home across the border.

Her sense of humor was pure and a sparkling delight.
Remember Ernestine the telephone operator played by Lily Tomlin?
That was one of Dorothy's favorite comedic moments from the past.
And she often recalled it, even acting it out.

Dorothy had the best interests of others first and foremost.  
She belonged to many organizations and clubs.
She was a delightful organizer, leader, and helper.
Kind and thoughtful to all.

Dorothy spearheaded a trip to Disneyland for Bruce Anderson.
Bruce, disadvantaged at birth, had a joyous trip of a lifetime.
For which the Anderson family are eternally grateful to Dorothy.

We cherish her smiling face, laugh, her contributions to life and fun.

Much, much thanks for such a remarkable and wonderful person.

Ron Anderson & Gloria Cristobal

OBITUARY

Dorothy Elizabeth Anderson

August 13, 1940 – May 25, 2023

Bauer Funeral Chapel

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