Dorothy Lavonne Brinkerhoff
February 21, 1959 - April 1, 2013
Obituary
Dorothy Lavonne Brinkerhoff was born on February 21, 1959 in Spokane to Bob and BeBe Gillmore. She passed away on April 1st, 2013 in Seattle after a year-long battle with cancer.
Dorothy met and married her husband Richard Brinkerhoff in 1982. They had three children of their own, plus raised two nephews who they considered as their own sons. She was dedicated to her family and loved nothing more than to spend time with her kids. Trips camping or to the ocean are fondly remembered. Much of her life was spent working with and for youth of all ages, whether leading, teaching or just helping in the background. In the last few years she took up knitting as a hobby and made many colorful receiving blankets for at-risk babies for a pediatric interim care center. Two words describe Dorothy, love and service.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Earl Gillmore. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, children Scott Brinkerhoff, Jeremy Brinkerhoff, Kendra Brinkerhoff, Brian Gillmore and Charles Gillmore, daughter-in-law Brenda Brinkerhoff, grandson Zeal Brinkerhoff, and siblings Diane Kienholz, Susan McCammon, John Gillmore, Donald Gillmore and Charliey Gillmore.
Services are Monday, April 8th at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 200 S. 177 pl in Burien, with viewing at 10:00am.
Sweet sister and friend, great wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, caring daughter and fun aunt. We miss her, and know she is with her parents and other family in heaven, and we will see her again in heaven. Families are forever.
She will always be remembered for her quick wit, wonderful laugh and loving attitude.
It was nice to have been able to meet her and the rest of the family and were sorry for your loss.
Dorothy was so filled with love, joy, humor and acceptance of everyone that it was impossible not to love her and want to be around her. I wish that I could have spent more time getting to know her but when we were together I felt like I had known her all my life. I remember when you found her Richard and I thought at the time, how on earth will I ever be able to think of her as my aunt she’s 2 years younger than me. Then I met her and got to know her and love her and I have never had a problem thinking of her as my aunt since then. My children all remember her with love and we will miss her smiling happy face at family get togethers. All my love to you and your children Richard.
It just won’t seem right side up without Dorothy. It was a pleasure to be in the same room with her. Her joy with the youth, her love for sharing the gospel of peace, her smile at your side Richard is what I will always remember. God bless you, her family until you all meet again. What an amazing time of happiness that will be. May the thought of it sustain you. Much love to beautiful people.
Dorothy is one of the kindest, warmest friends I have ever had in my life. I know I will see her again after my life in this world ends. God bless you Dorothy.
Arden
My dear friend, how I will miss you. Dorothy has always been a great example of faith, hope, charity and love. Her service to me and my family during our many years of friendship has been a great blessing to my family. Words are not sufficient to truly express the feelings of my heart.
I send my love to the Brinkerhoff family in their time of need.
My youngest son Ronald and I really got to know Richard, Dorothy and family. Really loves them and will never forget the love and faith that made us to look up to them. Dorothy was always there for Ronald and myself. The day that John and I got married they were there for us. Richard played music for our wedding. Richard and Dorothy even married for lots of years were best friends to each other. Richard you will see Dorothy another time. God Bless you
Much lots of love to two great people.
We will miss you, Dorothy. Your sweet spirit and kind and loving ways will always be remembered. Give your mom a hug for me when you see her in Heaven.
Richard and family, my prayers are with you. Hang in there.
I learned many things from Dorothy and will remember her desire to teach and love. She made each seminary teacher a Thanksgiving wreath which we put together with our students. I so appreciated the extra thought and effort she made to share.