Dorothy B Fermo

Dorothy B. Fermo (1920-2025): A Life of Devotion, Service, and Love

Dorothy B. Fermo passed peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on March 27, 2025, at the remarkable age of 104. Born on November 11, 1920, in Tacoma, Washington to Francis and Josephine Blanchfield. Dorothy's century-long journey was marked by unwavering faith, dedicated service, and boundless love for her family.

As the eldest of four children raised in the Oakland District, Dorothy developed a nurturing spirit that would define her life's path. Her early education at St. Leo's Catholic Schools instilled values that guided her through a lifetime of compassionate care for others.

Dorothy's professional journey began humbly at a local grocery store before she joined Ma Bell Telephone Company in 1942. For thirteen years, she connected people across oceans as an Overseas Telephone Operator, eventually rising to the position of Operator Supervisor—a testament to her reliability and leadership.

In 1953, through family connections, Dorothy met Daniel, who would become her beloved husband of many years. They wed on February 13, 1954, beginning a beautiful partnership filled with devotion and mutual respect. Together, they raised five children, creating a home warmed by faith and affection.

While nurturing her growing family, Dorothy's desire to help others led her to Doctors Hospital in 1967, where she started as a Switchboard Operator. Her natural empathy and care for patients inspired her transition to Ward Clerk, a role she fulfilled with dedication until her retirement in February 1984.

Retirement opened new chapters in Dorothy's life. She and Daniel explored North America together, with a special fondness for Reno, Nevada. She embraced life fully, taking aerobics and cooking classes well into her senior years. For over four decades, Dorothy was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Court #977, and Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where her volunteer work touched countless lives.

Dorothy's legacy lives on through her surviving sister, Rita Shingledecker; her five devoted children: Kathy (John) Gallwas, Tony Fermo, James (Shelly) Fermo, Dona Fermo, and David Fermo; her five grandchildren: Wende (David) Wilkerson, Billy (Vanessa) Gallwas, Andrew Gallwas, Bryan Olson (Ashley), and Mitchell Fermo; and her seven great-grandchildren: Nevaeh, Wyatt, Gunner, Mary Jane, Daniel, Ava, and William.

Dorothy has now rejoined her beloved husband Daniel, her parents, and two siblings in eternal peace. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Visiting Angels and Franciscan Hospice for their exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dorothy's name to the Sisters of St. Francis in Philadelphia, PA, or Franciscan Hospice in University Place, WA.

A Catholic Rosary service will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Catholic Burial will follow on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Ann's (Pope St. John XXIII) Parish, with burial at Calvary Cemetery.

Dorothy's century of life was characterized by resilience, generosity, and deep faith. She connected people—not just through telephone lines, but through acts of kindness and a heart always open to others. Her gentle strength and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.