Smith, Dorothy Isabelle 1920-2001

SMITH, COATS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes - Poweshiek Co. Volunteer
Date: 6/3/2014 at 14:57:01

The Brooklyn (IA) Chronicle
May 30, 2001

DOROTHY ISABELLE SMITH

Dorothy Isabelle (Coats) Smith, age 81, died of natural causes at her home in Bend, Ore. on May 24, 2001

A memorial service was held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Thursday, May 31 at 1 p.m. Burial occurred at a later date in Victor, Ia.

Dorothy was born in Victor on March 29, 1920, to Noel and Verna Coats. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in nursing. Her first job was in the U.S. Navy (Nurse Corps) as a Lt. Commander during World War II (1942-1945). She was stationed in the states and in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Her second job was as a "nurse stewardess," then a public school nurse in northern Illinois. Finally, after moving to Bend, she became a Registered Nurse at St. Charles Medical Center (1975-1982). She was there for the moving of hospitals and was on strike. Her career also included being a stewardess for Pan American Grace, where she was stationed in Lima, Peru, as well as a Customer Rep for Pan American.

She was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Lady Veterans of the Navy, enjoyed genealogy, doing her arthritic exercises at Juniper Pool, as well as gardening, cooking and baking.

In 1948, she married Stanley Smith. They were married until his death in October of 1993.

Survivors include her daughter Pamela Smith of Bend, Ore.; son Stephen Smith of Eugene, Ore.; nephew (whom Dorothy helped raise) Wesley Smith of Durham, N.H.; 3 brothers, David, Richard and Douglas Coats; and two grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were parents Noel and Verna Coats; one brother, Robert; and one sister, Nannette.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Bend La Pine, 1303 NW Galveston, Bend, OR 97701,