Dorothy Mae Wasner

Obituary It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Dorothy Wasner announce her peaceful passing on December 21, 2006 in (University City) Tacoma. She was born on July 8, 1924 in Pe Ell, WA to Francis and Belle Marie Rudolph. She moved to Tacoma as a young girl where she attended the Aquinas Academy. While there, she played the piano and received music scholarships. She excelled in debate and was chosen as the class valedictorian in 1942. She studied at the University of Washington and was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. In 1949, she married navy officer James A. Wasner. Together they lived in Seattle and raised a family of 5 children. In retirement, she moved with her husband to Ocean Shores where she was active in the OS Associated Arts. She was a member of St. Jerome's Catholic Church where she played the organ. Dorothy enjoyed playing bridge and golf. As a young girl, she loved to ski at Mt. Rainier and Hyak. She enjoyed puttering about in her garden and won prizes for her floral arrangements. She always read the newspaper and was active in politics. She cut out articles and sent them regularly to her family. She was a keen observer of all things and always new the latest weather conditions. She often astounded friends and family by sitting down at the piano and playing pieces from memory without having had any practice. She was always the optimist and often reminded her family to have "happy faces in the morning." She had keen sense of humor along with an irrepressible spirit. Most of all, she epitomized the grace and style that she cultivated over the course of her rich and varied life. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, James Allan Wasner after 43 years of a loving marriage. She is survived by her children: Marilyn (Dan) Gregory, Langley WA; Janet Wasner, Portland, OR; Karen Wasner, Seattle; William Wasner, Tacoma; Thomas (Robin) Wasner, Bothell and five grandchildren. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, December 28, 2006 at 11AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tacoma. Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 7PM in the Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel. Internment will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Seattle. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Franciscan Hospice of Tacoma.