Dorothy Lucille (Johnson) Tesch, 97, was born on July 26, 1926 to Andrew and Stella (Moore) Johnson in Elizabeth, Colorado. She went peacefully to spend eternity with Jesus on December 9, 2023 in Coupeville, Washington.

Dorothy had five siblings: Blanche, Elmer, Alvin, Edwin, and Robert. She graduated from Los Angeles High School in the winter of 1945. In 1949 she completed the registered nursing program at Los Angeles County General Hospital and kept her license current for 50 years.

Dorothy met her future husband, Ernie, while on a trip to Washington. Ernie and Dorothy were married December 29, 1951 at the Wilshire Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, California. They honeymooned up the coast and spent their entire married life in Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island. From their union, three children were born: Roger, Barbara, and Shirley. She was a devoted, loving mother and selfless, giving wife.

In the 50s and 60s, Dorothy was one of several women who raised funds to build a much-needed hospital in Coupeville. Her daughter Shirley was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes there and Dorothy passed away at it.

Dorothy faced health challenges with faith, strength, and courage. “She did her best and trusted God with the rest.” She was a kind and gentle soul who is and will be deeply missed ‘until we meet again.’ We are comforted knowing she looked forward to being with Jesus and reuniting with loved ones in heaven.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and daughter Shirley (Tesch) Horne. Three weeks short of their 72nd anniversary, Dorothy is survived by her husband, Ernie. Also surviving are her son Roger (Shannon) of Tonasket and daughter Barbara (Robert) Veliz of Tacoma. Dorothy’s grandchildren are Katrina and Eric, Robert, Jr (Amanda) and Daniel (Holly). Dorothy’s great grandchildren are Robbie III and Serafina, Wyatt and Ethan. Dorothy is also survived by nieces and nephews in California. The family wishes to thank Whidbey Memorial Funeral Home (www.whidbeymemorial.com) and the many friends who encouraged, supported, and prayed for Dorothy and Ernie over the years.

A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 2:00 at the First Reformed Church, 250 SW 3rd Ave, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Maple Leaf Cemetery Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), PO Box 5021, Hagerstown, MD, 21741-5021