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
Ryan Walsh says:
September 11, 2011
I love you very much grandma as we all do. We will miss you and all of the smiles and laughs you brought to all those around you. So many memories left with your children and grandchildren. Thank you for being the kind and strong woman you were for all of us. I’m proud to be your grandson and hope to see the world as you did.
Badger Clan says:
September 12, 2011
I only met Dorothy once, but I have heard many stories over the years. She embodied the richness of middle America life that we all strive for. I envision her maintaining a good close knit community for her children, strong love for her church, family and friends. From the stories told it appears she was able to assist each child with the direction they faced best and support needed. Hey Danielle, the last Beatles concert. WOW! I know you’ll miss her but she has given you the strength you need to move on. So, you will have many memories to cherish clink, clink.
As long as we are able, a place is always open for you and your family at our table. Love always, Anna , Afton and Jessica Colin too
Jeri Johring says:
September 12, 2011
My heartfelt condolences to the family. Oh how Dorothy treated me like family while growing up in Arcadia! I can remember all the meals and fun times we had at the Arcadia home. Hearing about all the parties and the stories of long ago were so much fun. She welcomed all of us into her home, no matter what! She taught me a lot about faith and I remember vividly her saying to me one day: “children are God’s blessings to us”. Dorothy, you will be missed.
Terri & Glenn Wertheim says:
September 13, 2011
We are honoring Dorothy in our hearts today as you celebrate her life. She was the matriarch of an amazing family. We wish we could be there with you.
Tony and Dolores Waffen says:
September 13, 2011
We want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Fond thoughts and memories.
T and D