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DOROTHY JEAN (JEPSEN) MCRAE
July 8, 1924 ~ April 28, 2013
Dorothy J. McRae of Vancouver, WA, passed peacefully in the early morning hours of April 28, 2013.
Dorothy was born July 8, 1924 in Pipestone, Minnesota to Harry and Ann Jepsen. As the oldest child, she learned how to do all the farm chores including milking cows, shocking grain and cultivating corn with a 4 horse team.
She graduated from St. Cloud Teachers College in 1946.
In 1948, she married her husband John McRae. They both taught school in Minnesota until he was recruited by Boeing to work in Seattle.
Seattle didn't suit them, so they moved to the Vancouver area where they both began teaching at Ridgefield High School.
Dorothy taught at Ridgefield High School and Providence Academy before going to work for the Battle Ground School District in 1965. In 1966, she began teaching 8th grade at Laurin Intermediate School, where she stayed until her retirement in 1983. That wasn't the end of her teaching career though, as she did some private tutoring and enjoyed volunteering at the school for many years following her retirement.
Dorothy's passions were her family, crossword puzzles, fishing and the Portland Trailblazers. Hard work, frugality and practicality were her defining characteristics. She loved working outdoors on the farm and in the garden. She loved to help family and friends in any way she could. She enjoyed vacations, but was content at home. Being outside and working were the things she missed the most as her health was failing.
Dorothy is survived by her brother, Harry Jepsen (Lavonne); sisters, Delila Davis, Joyce Furubotten (Jim), Jackie Davis (Gordon); children, Jeff McRae (Bonnie), Stuart McRae, Sharon Lentz (Gary); grandchildren, Jody Johnson, Holly McRae, Sarah Tribe Linnell, Daniel Tribe; and 11 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; brother, Bobby Jepsen; sister, Betty Erickson; and granddaughters, Erin Tribe Kilborn, and Karen McRae.
Friends and family are invited to attend memorial services at Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene on May 25, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.
Donations in memory of Dorothy McRae may be made to:
Hospice Southwest
PO Box 1600
Vancouver, WA 98668
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
In the spirit of Aunt Dorothy, I am going to travel solo in a small trailer. Always admired her independence.
Jane
Family
May 13, 2021
I certainly do miss your emails and newsy letters about the family. Love you Aunt Dorothy.
Jane Wright
Family
May 13, 2020
I have fond memories of riding horses on the farm.
May 27, 2013
Sharon and family, we are sorry to hear about your mothers passing. I remember going to her home years ago, she was always so kind and gentle. Our prayers and thoughts are with her family.
Gary and Nancy
Nancy Stratton
May 22, 2013
The best darn Phya Ed teacher I ever had. What an inspiring person. nm
May 21, 2013
Mrs McRae was my 8th grade teacher and she taught me more than any other had. She was wonderful in every way and will be missed. She even got me my first summer job sitting for her grand child.
Ellen Horton
May 20, 2013
Aunt Dorothy was an outstanding mother, wife and educator. She was innovative, caring, and a wonderful role model for all women, including me. I marvel at her strong work ethic and volunteerism. She is a amazing influence who will be missed by many.
Love you, Jane
Jane Wright
May 19, 2013
So sorry Sharon to hear of your mother's passing. I remember well the time our boys and I were going to her place to pick up little Sarah for Sunday school. We ended up in a car wreck right in front of her home as we were turning into the driveway. She was so very kind and comforting. My thoughts will be with you and your family in coming days.
Bev Henley
May 19, 2013
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