Dorothy Elvira Lorentz
July 3, 1916 - July 30, 2007
Obituary
DOROTHY ELVIRA LORENTZ
1916 –2007
Dorothy Elvira Johnson was born in Selah, Washington, to John and Otillia Johnson. Her father was an apple grower. Both parents were Swedish immigrants, and Dorothy grew up speaking both Swedish and English. She was only 16 when her mother passed away, and she became the homemaker for her father and brother. After graduating from high school, she entered Business College and subsequently went to work for an insurance firm.
Dorothy met her future husband, Joseph Lorentz, at a gathering of a group of Swedish American families, and this relationship grew into a lifelong commitment. Her husband was a builder in Seattle. Shortly after their marriage in 1941, Joe was called into the Army. After her husband finished his Army service, they had four children over a ten-year period. She and her family were fortunate enough to remain close to each other all her life. Dorothy’s husband Joe passed away in 1998 at the age of 87. They had shared over 55 years of a happy marriage.
In addition to her work as a homemaker, Dorothy did a great deal of the bookkeeping for her husband and supported his endeavors in every way. She was an excellent cook, loved entertaining friends, and was a very welcoming person. She was especially attentive to her grandchildren, and they love her as much as do her children. To her children and her grandchildren, Dorothy was a strong, positive, spiritual influence who exuded love and compassion, and she inspired devotion in her family.
As Dorothy’s health declined and she could no longer live independently, she moved in with her daughters, who were able to provide her with loving, personal care. For three years she shared a home with her daughters and granddaughters. Additionally, her sons and grandson were also very active in her care. Her family was her heart, just as she was the heart of her family.
Surviving her are her sons, James and John; her daughters, Patricia and Muriel; and her loving grandchildren, Timothy, Chandra and Teresa. She is also survived by her elder brother, Ivar Johnson, who turned 94 this year. Other survivors include nieces and nephews, many friends, and numerous more distant relatives, both in the United States and Sweden.
Dorothy lived a good Christian, moral life and had only kind words for everyone. She is now at home with her Lord and is re-united with her husband Joseph.
A Memorial Service for Dorothy will be held at First Free Methodist Church in Seattle, on Sunday, August 5, at 3:00 PM. Remembrances may be made to First Free Methodist Church: Missions Fund, Building Fund, or Bell Fund.
I will miss Dorothy. I have many fond memories of ”the Dorst” as I was growing up and even as an adult. It was always fun for me to play Chinese Checkers with Dorothy, John, and Marie. Whenever I did have one-on-one time with Dorothy, she always took an interest in me. I appreciated that, and I will always remember her for that. Although she was quiet, she had a terrific sense of humor. I often heard her chuckling at something that others missed. In recent years, I loved it when she would simply come in and sit. I liked her quiet company. She was a real sweetheart and a wonderful aunt. I will miss Dorothy.
Love, Sharon