Dorothy Jeanne Paterson

Dorothy Paterson, a long-time resident of Bainbridge Island, died July 17, at the age of 95.

As a child, during the Depression, Dorothy moved to Seattle from Lake Preston, South Dakota, with her parents, Gerhard & Agnes Dahl. She attended Ballard High School, where music and a special drafting course offered by Boeing were her favorite subjects. After graduating from high school at the age of 16, she managed to get a job at the shipyards on an electrical crew and was highly valued for her ability to interpret and create electrical plans. After turning 18, she worked as a draftsperson for Boeing. Following the end of World War II, she attended the University of Washington where she met her husband, Dan. Together they enjoyed fishing, hiking, and camping. They lived in various parts of the United States and Canada before returning to the Pacific Northwest and eventually settling in Port Blakley in 1967.

From an early age, Dorothy loved music. She played the violin and viola and sang in the school choir. Choral music remained a part of her life. She sang in church choirs wherever she lived and for several years was a member of the Bainbridge Choral.

The church and her faith guided Dorothy throughout her life. She originally became involved with the Presbyterian church upon receiving an invitation from her high school choir director to join his church’s choir. A source of pride for Dorothy was being one of the first two female elders at the Overlake Park Presbyterian Church. As a member of Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church Dorothy served in many roles including, choir member, deacon, elder, clerk of session, and office manager.

Dorothy believed in being active. In addition to music and the outdoors, she enjoyed refinishing furniture, flower gardening, jogging (and later walking), and reading.

Her favorite sayings were “live and let live,” and “to each his own.” She lived accordingly.

Although we miss her, we are glad she has found the “peace that passes understanding” and value the memories she leaves with us.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Karen Paterson, Bonnie (Winston) Schandorf; Andrew (Stacy) Paterson; grandchildren: Cynthia (Ben) Krull, Sai Togboh (Venita) Schandorf, Julianna Paterson; and great-grandchildren.: Vinh and Simone Schandorf and Sai and AJ Krull.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan, and daughter, Kate.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00, September 16, at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.