Dorothy Bernice Smith
July 22, 1925 - September 16, 2009
Obituary
Dorothy Bernice Johnson Smith, born in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 22, 1925, was the seventh of eight children. She graduated from Omaha Technical High School in 1943. Dorothy met Jack, the love of her life, when he offered a mutual friend and Dorothy a ride in his car while he was a student at Creighton University. They married in 1945 in Omaha. Jack was in medical school and they lived in Texas and California while he served in the Army Air Corps following his graduation. Dorothy and Jack moved to Seattle which they discovered was such a beautiful and temperate place after visiting Dorothy’s two sisters and their families who had moved to the area, also from Omaha. They settled in West Seattle, where they raised two daughters, Joyce and Jaci.
Dorothy was a home-maker and a soccer mom before soccer moms existed, devoting her life to driving her daughters around to all their various lessons and activities. In addition, she spent many years volunteering with the then-Child Hearing League, and was also an avid bridge player.
She is predeceased by her husband John E. Smith, M.D., d. 1985, and siblings Theresa, Mary, Andy, Joe, Ann, Frances, and Shirley. She is survived by her two beloved daughters, Joyce Smith Miner and Jaci Smith, both of Seattle, and by many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Family was everything to Dorothy.
A committed church member for many years who found it difficult to attend church alone following Jack’s death, Dorothy spent her final hours audibly praying and proclaiming the name of her Lord, Jesus Christ. Dorothy died in the wee hours of September 16, 2009 at Providence Mt. St. Vincent’s in West Seattle. Both of her daughters were with her in her last hours.
A memorial service will be held Friday, September 25, at 1:00 p.m. at Parker Chapel/Bonney Watson, 900 SW 146th St, in Burien, WA. A private graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Providence Mount St. Vincent Foundation, 4831 35th Ave SW, Seattle, 98126. Proceeds allow residents who outlive their financial means to continue living at the Mount.
Dorothy was a dear person,Ialways remember her smile. Love to you all Bob and Helen Jensen
Joyce~Love to you during this difficult time. Dorothy was a special mom and you were a wonderful daughter.
Shelley
I knew Dorothy briefly and most through her daughter Joyce, my sister-in-law. She was a lovely, giving, sweet woman who loved her children and family.
God Bless Dorothy.
Kathy
My condolences to Dorothy’s family. I knew her as a loving, generous Sister to Shirley Stefnik who also left us way too soon. It’s a terrible thing to bury your parent and I wish you peace and comfort on this sad day.
I remember the family Christmas gatherings. They were magic to someone from southern California. All the family would be there, table laden with food & the house was beautifully decorated. Aunt Dorothy made every feel special. She was a Great Aunt & a great lady. She will be remembered with great love and respect.
Friends for 70 years. Met in High School.Our spouses kept us seeing each other and the four of us enjoyed being together. As our birthdays are two days apart in July we kept the phone handy for conversation. Joyce and Jaci my love comes to each of you- you two have lost a great mother and I have to say goodbye to a wonderful friend.
I have such wonderful memories growing up with Joyce and Jaci. Her folks were like second parents to me: I don’t know how many hours I spent simply hanging out with the family in their beautiful family room in West Seattle. I loved Dorothy’s sense of humor and we never failed to find something to tease each other about. I was especially appreciative of Dorothy and Jack tending to me when I stayed with them while a senior in high school and my folks were on a big trip. I shared Joyce’s room– and, after working too many late nights on school projects and the school yearbook, came down with mono! I’m sure I wasn’t the best patient and yet they waited on me hand and foot!
Dorothy Smith will surely be missed and I am grateful to have had a chance to share a part of her life with her.
Judy
My dearest Aunt Dorothy, I will miss you terribly. I will find it very hard, not reaching for the phone to give you a call for one of our little chats, as I still do my mom. You will remain in my heart for all of eternity, along with all the wonderful and special memories, you and Uncle Jack made for me, Ron who you have joined in heaven, Kevin and Kelly.
Your Loving Niece,
Elaine & cats
Dorothy,
You gave us strength and confidence by the ways that you persevered through the pain and discomforts of aging. Now rest eternally in the loving gaze of our Heavenly Father.
With Love,
Nick
Joyce and Jaci:
I am so sorry to miss the service for your mom. John and I will be in Yellowstone. I have many fond memories of Dorothy that go all the way back to the time she was our Brownie leader. She was a wonderful, kind and thoughtful person. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Jan
To my Aunt Dorothy who was so good to me when I was a child and needed someone to care. I will always remember her with good thoughts. Her wonderful wit remains in my heart. She is now free from her pain and with the love of her life.
We have so many good memories of Dorothy and Dr. Smith in West Seattle. What a wonderful woman and role model she was.
Joyce and Jaki you’re in our thoughts as are Chris and Arlene and family. Jon will be out of town on the funeral day. Our thoughts will be there.
Love,
Renate & Jon
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family members. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. She had a kind heart and I have wonderful memories of her that I will cherish forever.