Dorothy Gevers-Wojtowych lived and loved Longview. Born in Appleton, Wisconsin shortly after her mother arrived from Germany, “Puppchen” moved here as an infant when her father was hired to help in the startup of Longview Fiber.

Born of two immigrants, a piece of Dorothy’s heart was rooted in Germany, and she held a deep appreciation for all those who came to this country from afar. She loved visiting Europe and meeting with others who shared her love and admiration for the “Old Country.”

Mom never did anything halfway. She graduated RA Long High School in 1945 as Salutatorian and a 4-year letterman. Her campaign slogan for Student Body office read, “Eager Beavers Vote for Gevers”; she embodied “eager”, held leadership positions in various clubs and activities and led by example. She loved telling stories of her growing up years, picking strawberries and string beans, serving as Camp Counselor at Spirit Lake and supporting the war efforts. She treasured her school friends for life and cherished 45-ers luncheons that were held monthly for years.

Dorothy was a teacher by profession and passion. She earned her degree in education from Washington State College in 1949 and began her career teaching PE and Social Studies in Battle Ground, WA. This experience was cut short when the United Fruit Company hired her to teach school in Honduras. She loved the people and the adventure and stayed in Central and South America for almost 5 years. In 1956, she returned to Longview and started a pre-school in her home. She married Julian Wojtowych, a forester of Ukrainian origin, and began her life as a wife and mother on the Chelatchie Ranger Station near Amboy. The family moved to Bend, Oregon in 1968. Mrs. Wojtowych participated fully in PTA, Les Foresterettes, the Bend Recycling Program and a multitude of other activities. She built communities wherever she landed and was everyone’s “second mom.” She was a patient and caring listener and a legendary baker of apple and cherry pies!

In 1987, she once again returned to Longview and her childhood home, and has lived there since. She lived modestly and was thrifty on herself, but gave generously to others. Her work as a Financial Advisor allowed her to help friends and organizations to achieve their dreams. During this phase of her life, she gave of her time and treasure to support causes and individuals she believed in. She especially delighted in restoring and maintaining the city she loved. She always gave more than she received and treasured her family, close neighbors and friends who enriched her life on a daily basis.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents: Herman and Thea Gevers, her two sisters, Elisabeth Schrack and Thea Gast and her husband, Julian Wojtowych. She leaves behind three daughters: Elisabeth Nugent (Martin), Portland, Tanya Wojtowych, Genesee, Idaho, and Helen Miller (Jeff), Costa Mesa, CA; beloved grandsons Matthew Nugent and Julian Wojtowych-Schreiber, numerous nieces and nephews and a neighborhood family of friends.

Dorothy celebrated her 99th Birthday at The Columbia Theater with a private showing of one of her favorite Shirley Temple movies. Her Celebration of Life will be held at the same location on her 100th birthday.

The family wishes to thank the caring team at the Canterbury Chateau who treated our mom with love and care these last 3-1/2 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to The Columbia Theater of Longview or to the newly established Scholarship that will help to fund continuing education for the wonderful health care staff at the Longview Canterbury facility. Scholarship donations can be sent in c/o: Helen Miller at 3214 Montana Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.