Obituary of Dorothy Heath

Dorothy Margaret Seidehamel Heath Born – September 16, 1925, Cleveland, Ohio Died – October 16, 2013, Olympia, Washington Dorothy Heath peacefully passed away on October 16, 2013 at the age of 88 years, surrounded by family and her husband of 63+ years, James H. Heath. She passed away in her Olympia home, where lived for 55 years, raised her family of 5 children, and celebrated so many life occasions. Dorothy Margaret Seidehamel was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the youngest daughter in a family of five girls. She and her sisters grew up in Hunting Valley, Ohio, where their father was the chief of police and they lived in the town hall. Following graduation from John Adams High School in Cleveland, Dorothy attended Ohio Weslyan University near Columbus. She then decided to pursue a degree in Occupational Therapy, and transferred to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she obtained her OT degree in January of 1948. She then moved to Portland, Oregon in 1948, where she accepted a job at the Portland Veterans Administration Hospital where she intended to work with World War II veterans and others. Dorothy was introduced to her future husband Jim while attending a church service in downtown Portland. Jim and Dorothy were introduced by Jim’s cousin Mary Richmond, who worked with Dorothy. Jim and Dorothy courted in Portland, and often visited Crown Point in the Columbia Gorge, a view point with an awesome view both east and west along the Columbia River. Dorothy and Jim were married June 21, 1950, at the home of Dorothy’s sister Lillian Updyke in Encino, California. Dorothy fabricated Jim’s wedding ring herself, and inscribed it with the words “Ner to Part,” a phrase which became a symbol of their undying love for each other. Jim wore out three of those wedding rings during their 63+ years of marriage. After their wedding, Dorothy moved to Olympia with Jim, where they started their own family. Jim’s father owned Heath’s Flowers at 510 Custer Way near Tumwater Square. Jim and Dorothy first lived together in the apartment above the flower shop. They then moved to an apartment across the street from the shop, before purchasing a home in Lacey near the old Lacey drive-in movie theatre, which is currently the site of the Fred Meyer Store on Slater Kinney Road. Jim took over the flower shop in 1956, and they bought the house across the street from the shop. They moved to then moved to their home at 401 Blass Avenue in 1958. Dorothy lived in this house for the rest of her life. Jim and Dorothy owned and operated Heath’s Flowers in Tumwater Square, where Dorothy was a partner and bookkeeper, along with being a full time mom. All the kids worked in the sop in one capacity or another, sweeping floors, watering plants, and providing the most efficient flower delivery service in town. In their spare time, Dorothy and Jim loved spending time with their kids, with Jim’s family, and with Dorothy’s family. Two of Dorothy’s sisters moved to the Puget Sound area in the early 60s, and a third sister joined them in the early 80s. Together, the Seidehamel and Heath families enjoyed many days and special occasions together. Dorothy enjoyed taking care of her kids and husband. She was a fabulous cook, and loved traveling, trailer camping and motor homing, motorcycle riding, boating and fishing. But most of all she loved spending time with her family, sharing her experiences and love. Dorothy and Jim sold the flower shop in 1980, and began their retirement years. In retirement, Dorothy and Jim motor homed around the United States and also traveled the world. Dorothy and Jim maintained a winter residence at Outdoor Resorts in Palm Springs, where they met many wonderful friends. But Dorothy always returned to Olympia from Palm Springs by Mother’s Day, so that she could enjoy the day with her family. Dorothy was loved and admired by many, and she will be greatly missed by her husband, family and friends. Dorothy is survived by her husband James H. Heath of Olympia, her sons James W. Heath (Anchorage, AK), Randall E. Heath (Yarrow Point, WA), David J. Heath (Tumwater, WA), daughter Bonnie L. Payne (Olympia, WA), five grandchildren, and one great grandson. Dorothy’s family also includes two nephews and two nieces, Theodore J. Tonti (Denver, CO), Barbara Weir (Cleveland, OH), Roni Bassler (Cleveland, OH), and Timothy Bassler (Cleveland, OH). Please leave memories of Dorothy or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.