Dorothy Zulma Walsh
March 13, 1920 - September 06, 2011
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Dorothy Zulma Walsh
March 13, 1920 - September 06, 2011
Obituary
Dorothy Zulma Schelstrate Walsh
Passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the age of 91 in San Diego, California.
Dorothy was born in Kansas City, MO on March 13, 1920. She graduated from St. Agnes Academy in 1937. In 1940 Dorothy married Donald Walsh, the handsome young man who delivered groceries to her house from Walsh’s Market. They set off on a lifetime of adventures eventually moving to California in 1950, and settling in Arcadia to raise their growing family. They lived the last 30 years in Orange County, and moved to San Diego one year ago in order to be in senior care.
Dorothy loved to travel and her favorite line was: ‘My bags are always packed.’ Dorothy and Don were proud of the fact that they had been in all 50 states. Don was the driver and Dorothy the navigator as they would take their car trips. Dorothy would read out loud about what they were seeing, and would instruct Don to turn off on a side road somewhere because, as she would say, ‘When are we ever going to be here again?’. She never wanted to miss out on anything!
Dorothy was avid reader and loved to cook exotic foods for her family. She even could cook breakfast on an open grill in the San Gabriel Mountains, while Don took the kids off on a hike. Dorothy loved to have a good time and she and Don were fortunate to have an amazing group of friends in Arcadia who shared the good times with them. Their Halloween and Fourth of July parties were legendary. Dorothy gave her children the best birthday parties ever; she made homemade Halloween costumes and was always ready for any creative event.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 71 years, Don Walsh, and their six children: Diane Frank, San Diego, CA, Donna Petit, San Luis Obispo, CA, Dorothy Walsh D Amato, Annapolis, MD, Debbie Walsh, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, Danielle Tompkins, Concord, CA, and Dennis Walsh, Long beach, CA.
Dorothy was greatly loved by her 10 grandchildren: Claire Poertner, Anne Klein, Megan Walsh, Ryan Walsh, Derrick Walsh, Taylor Walsh, Justin Petit, Shawn Petit, Sarah Tompkins, and William Tompkins.
Dorothy was also fortunate to have had 7 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Logan and Brinley Klein, Kaylee and Logan Walsh, Jacob Petit and Alexis Petit. Dorothy will be remembered as the strong matriarch of the family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dorothy’s favorite charities:
CHOC – Children’s Hospital of Orange County choc.org
St. Joseph’s Indian School, Chamberlain, SD stjo.org
25 responses to Dorothy Zulma Walsh
Ruth Weinberg says:
September 10, 2011
I was very sad to hear of Dorothy’s passing. Terry and I so enjoyed visiting with Dorothy and Don when we were in California. So many laughs and so many fun times. She is now with Terry and Dottie. Dorothy will be missed.
Barbara Riblet says:
September 11, 2011
The best thing I will remember about Dorothy is that she always had the biggest smile on her face. She was always so happy to see us and always made us feel very special. She will be truly missed.
Bill & Nancy Kapprel says:
September 11, 2011
We are deeply saddened to hear of Dorothy’s passing. Whenever we spoke or visited with her and Don, she maintained such a positive attitude and love of life and family.
Our blessing is that we were finally able to meet her and connect with KC family stories and photos.
She has a special place in heaven and is now at peace.
We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to the entire Walsh family.
Love, Bill and Nancy
Frank & Susan Molina says:
September 11, 2011
We will miss Dorothy for her warmth and her giving spirit. She loved her continuously expanding family and generously welcomed everyone into it. We will always remember her laughter, her smile, and the way her eyes twinkled as she puckered up her lips to kiss us good-bye. Good-bye Dorothy, may you rest in peace and blessed joy.
Lucinda Petit says:
September 11, 2011
Grandma – I will miss your beautiful smile, your sense of humor, delicious cooking, words of encouragement and wisdom, and the way you always made me feel welcome and part of the family.
I am so happy to have shared so many great memories and good times with you, grandpa and the rest of the family. When I told Jacob you had arrived in heaven he said “It’s ok Mommy she is with Jesus now.”
When Jacob was born you were so supportive and also gave me such strength and advice and I will always remember that. You will truly be missed. Rest in Peace Grandma and I will see you again.