Dorothy M â??Dottieâ?? Zylstra

Dorothy M. “Dottie” Zylstra died peacefully on Oct. 5, 2008, at Summer Hill Retirement Center, Oak Harbor at the age of 82. She was born April 21, 1926, to Oak Harbor pioneers Edward and Jessie (Piebenga-Dewilde) Meeter.

Dottie attended Oak Harbor High School, where she was a member of the cheerleading squad, graduating with the Class of 1944. She worked for a time in the bakery at the Oak Harbor Co-op and then worked as a sales clerk at Oak Harbor Pharmacy for 13 years for Lyle Paul and Wes Larsen.

Dotty married Wesley Rein Zylstra on Jan. 11, 1947. They reconfirmed their vows at St. Joseph of Cupertino Catholic Church, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, on Aug. 15, 1966.

In April of 1972, Wes suffered a severe stroke. Dottie became his primary caregiver, assisting him in his work with the Catholic Church and the Youth Ministry program and his service as secretary for Island County Fire District 2.

Dottie was a member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church and a past member of the Whidbey Whirler’s and the American Legion Auxiliary, George Morris #129 of Oak Harbor.

Dottie is survived by her husband of 61 years, Wes Zylstra; nieces Donna Willett and husband Alan; Lana Kemppainen and husband Mike; Bonnie Wescott and husband Rob and nephew Warren Barry and wife Sandi. Her sister Juanita (Meter) Sill preceded her in death.

A funeral mass for Dottie will be celebrated Friday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Oak Harbor with Rev. Philip Raether, Celebrant. Graveside Rites of Committal will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will be held at Rhimes Hall at St. Augustine’s Church immediately following the burial. Memorials may be made to St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Youth Ministry Fund. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.