Dorothy Jean (Ayres) Burns

Spunky, smart, beloved wife, mother and grandma, Dorothy passed away surrounded by family at her home in Seattle on Feb. 3, 2016.

Born Sept. 27, 1925, in Oakland, Calif., Dorothy grew up in north Seattle, graduating in 1943 from Roosevelt High, where she developed lifelong friendships. At the University of Washington, she was a sorority sister of Alpha Psi Delta. Among other accomplishments at UW, she helped her fiancé, engineer Frank Burns, pass his English courses with high marks.

While awaiting her fiancé’s return from Germany (WWII), she worked for the Navy Region Northwest office.

She loved her kids and was very active in their lives: parent club at Our Lady of the Lake, den mother, Girl Scout leader. She especially enjoyed her grandkids and supported their activities by attending concerts and dance, sporting and equestrian events. She was a very active volunteer for Seattle Milk Fund and Readiness to Learn Foundation.

As an avid homemaker, she was always ready to entertain friends. She found joy in sewing, skiing and traveling abroad. Her home away from home was beautiful Cultus Bay on Whidbey Island, where she spent many summers clamming and fishing. She golfed and played bridge at nearby Useless Bay Country Club. She was clever, had a great sense of humor and loved a good prank — whether on the giving or receiving end.

She is survived by Frank, her loving husband of 70 years; her children, James (Ruth), Catherine Weeks and Gail LaVassar (John); grandchildren, Sarah and Joseph Raiden, and Nick (Laurie) and Amanda LaVassar; great-grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Jordan and Isiah Raiden, and Jack LaVassar; and her brother, Alan Ayres (Connie).

Remembrances may be made in Dorothy’s name to the Seattle Milk Fund and/or Readiness to Learn Foundation.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 8900 35th Ave. NE, Seattle, 98115; Interment, Calvary Cemetery. Visit the Hoffner Fisher & Harvey guest book at harveyfuneral.com.