Dorothy Morgan
Dorothy Jean (Coogan) Morgan was born in Colville, WA on June 24, 1922, the 5th of 6 children to Mary Ethel (Hart) and John Edward Coogan. She died at 89 on July 21, 2011 at home in Kennewick, WA, holding her children's hands.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Morgan, and all her siblings; their keen Irish sense of humor survived with her.
Special acknowledgement is given to Hospice whose assistance was invaluable. Time and circumstance allowed family and friends the opportunity to express their love both in person and with calls and cards.
Dorothy and her husband married on Dec 14, 1941, a week later than originally scheduled due to the Dec 7th bombing of Pearl Harbor. Their marriage began during a time that saw the nation coalesced around a common purpose. Throughout her life, friends would continue to call every year on Pearl Harbor Day to share the bond that had been seared into their consciousness.
While they were stationed in Pine Camp, New York a daughter was born. As a 20-year-old, 3000 miles from home, family and friends she gave birth to her first child on a winter night while her husband was away on maneuvers under General Patton. Twenty-eight days later Dorothy travelled by train from New York to Kentucky to join her husband. During these war years she made many moves to new places and experienced long months of separation while her husband was overseas.
After WWII, they settled in Moses Lake, WA, where their son was born. They farmed in Moses Lake until their retirement. During most of these years Dorothy worked as an office manager for Dr. L. Kvamme.
After a move from Yakima to Kennewick in 2005 at the age of 83, Dorothy determined to meld into her new community and volunteered as part of Team Read, joined the Red Hat Society, Rambling Rovers and attended the First Lutheran Church. Her volunteer work at KGH both in the medical records department and as part of the Woman's Auxiliary was a source of pride to her. The women she befriended through these activities contributed greatly to making her years in Kennewick content and productive. As her health declined and activities curtailed, she continued to read fiction using a Kindle, communicated via email and though she was reluctant to introduce any new technology into her life she also did some live streaming of movies over the internet through her TV! She loved working the crossword and spending time with her cat while catching up on world news.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter Kim Morgan of Kennewick, a grandson Cameron Brown, his wife, Roxann and their boys Griffin and Cooper of Mission Viejo, CA and a granddaughter Joelle Brown of San Francisco, CA.
She is survived by her son Don Morgan and his wife Debby of Yakima, WA, a grandson Casey Morgan, his wife, Stephanie, and their children Caden and Sadie of Redmond, WA and a granddaughter Sarah Morgan of Nashville, TN.
Dorothy's close relationships extended well beyond her immediate family. She had numerous nieces and nephews, each uniquely special and adored by her. She took the time to get to know what was important to her friends and always chose to understand them rather than make judgments. Special mention is made of long-time family friend, Hermann Thoennissen, for his unwavering kindness and support.
She leaves behind a legacy steeped in the value of education and humor. It was always understood that education was a given. It was never too expensive, too difficult or too inconvenient even though reality suggested otherwise. She was enormously proud of her grandchildren whose resolve and discipline have allowed them to continue in this legacy.
A private celebration of her life was held by family and will continue to be celebrated, especially during the moments when her positive influence and fun-loving sense of adventure are felt by those of us who loved her.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to Hospice of Kennewick at 509-783-7416.