Dorothy Jean Matuizek, 73, died July 13, 2005 at her home in Oak Harbor after a courageous battle with cancer. Dotty, as she was known, was born June 8, 1932 in Louisville, Ky., to Earl and Mattie (Herron) Lorence.

Dotty’s parents both died when she was just a toddler, and Dotty was raised in an orphanage. At age 16 she left the orphanage and traveled to Jacksonville, Fla. While there, she met Charles “Ken” Matuizek and they were married in Sanford, Fla., in 1953.

In 1955, she began her nurses training at St. Vincent de Paul School of Nursing in Jacksonville. She graduated in 1959, receiving her Registered Nurses degree. Dotty followed her husband’s military career and was able to work as a nurse wherever the Navy took them. Their duty stations included Puerto Rico, Florida, and Whidbey Island in 1964. Whidbey soon became their permanent home. Dorothy went to work at Naval Hospital Oak Harbor soon after their arrival and retired in 2004 after working more then 38 years as a RN.

Dotty was a very active member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church of Oak Harbor. She was also a life member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Oak Harbor Emblem Club 450, the Catholic Daughters and Soroptimists International. She was also a Red Cross volunteer, having served on their advisory board for twelve years. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.

Dotty was a lifetime caregiver. She was always a community service volunteer. She also enjoyed gardening, loved animals and especially enjoyed hummingbirds.

Dotty is survived by four children: Debora Ann Matuizek of Olympia; Donna Matuizek of Philadelphia, Penn.; David C. Matuizek of North Bend; and Darrell K. with wife Lisa Matuizek of Langley. Two grandchildren, Jeccica Matuizek and Morgan Matuizek and brother-in-law Richard with wife Joyce Matuizek also survive. Her husband Ken preceded her in death.

Funeral Mass for Dorothy Matuizek will be celebrated Monday, July 18, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Oak Harbor at 2 p.m. with Rev. Robert Rhimes, SJ as Celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will follow at the Parish Hall. A Vigil will be held at St. Augustine’s on Sunday at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross, the Ladies Society of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Habitat for Humanity or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.