Dorothy Jean Parsons

Dorothy J. Parsons, 86 of Edmonds, Washington, passed away in her family home July 13, 2013. She was diagnosed with cancer in January of 2012. Dorothy was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on September 21, 1926 to Marian DeBord Herbert and Walter J. Herbert. She attended Ohio State University and was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She married Paul E. Parsons in Norfolk, Virginia on June 5, 1948 and the couple moved to Seattle, Washington. Dorothy is most known for being a loving mother, grandmother, homemaker, and wife. In 1958 she worked at Boeing Aerospace as a human mechanical calculator and prided herself on being a part of the Bomarc Missile Program. After her children were older, she worked in the cafeterias at Northwest Hospital and Edmonds School District. She enjoyed her work later in life with artist Lucy Rigg and cherished her Lucy bear memorabilia. Dorothy lived in Edmonds 51 years and was always an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Family gatherings were of the upmost importance to her and she would always do her best to make sure everyone had a good time. She always found the positive in life and was excited to see or do new things; her glass was always at least half-full! Dorothy loved chocolate and desserts; you couldnt go to her house without her asking you if you would like some. She also loved walking on the beach and could often be seen looking for shells and starfish with her grandchildren. Edmonds beach was her paradise! Most of all, Dorothy deeply loved her family. She always had time to talk with her children, guiding them through lifes challenges and sharing in their joys. She loved her grandchildren and picked them up from school with a smile on her face each day. Strong in her faith she devoted herself to her family, a jigsaw puzzle on the table, crocheting baby blankets, and working crossword puzzles. She always put her family first and will be greatly missed. Those surviving Dorothy are: her sister, Barbara Johnson; her brother, Don Herbert; her four sons, Paul Jr., Kenneth, Todd, and Dennis; her four daughters, Mary Ann Colegrove, Joanie Parsons Eaton, Barbara Wenner, and Lisa Akelipa; and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family services were held. We will miss you mom, grandma, little grandma!