Obituary of Dorothy Catherine Walton

Dorothy Catherine Walton, 96, peacefully departed this world into eternal life on January 24, surrounded by her loving and devoted family.

Dorothy was born April 5th, 1922, in St. Paul, MN, to Axel and Catherine Anderson. She was raised and educated in St. Paul. MN. Her early education was fondly remembered as she spoke highly of her beloved Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Their care and influence left an impression that would last a lifetime. She graduated from Washington High School in 1940. While employed in retail in St. Paul, Dorothy met and was united in marriage to Robert Walton, the love of her life, on June 12, 1943. With a humorous twist, he adoringly called her Red, as her beautiful long hair was a stunning dark auburn red. After having made subsequent moves to St. Louis, MO, Mount Clemens, MI, and Chicago, IL, Dorothy and Robert returned to Minnesota. They built their home in St. Anthony Village in the Twin Cities. In 1956 they moved their family to Duluth, where they became lifelong members of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. Dorothy became actively involved in fundraising and volunteer work for Our Lady of the Rosary, as well as Holy Rosary School. She volunteered many hours at various annual church fundraising events. She sold her own beautifully handcrafted gifts at church fall and holiday sales, as well as at the non-profit Gingerbread House in downtown Duluth. Her creativity in sewing and handwork continued through the decades. Dorothy's early love for singing continued as a member of the church choir. As a young woman, she had the distinct pleasure of singing at the Big Band venue, The Prom Ballroom, in St. Paul. She gave her family their great love for music and the Arts. Family dinners were often accompanied to one of their favorites on the stereo. Her family will always remember their occasional gatherings around the piano. She was a patron of the Duluth Symphony, the Duluth Playhouse, and as a consummate reader of current best sellers, a patron of the Duluth Public Library for over 50 years. Always sharp and articulate, she was known for her quick wit and remarkable sense of humor. Always entertaining with her recollection of stories, punch-lines and humorous quips. She was an avid and outstanding bridge player into her 90's, having belonged to a number of bridge clubs, and was a member of the Duluth Women's Club.

Dorothy was well known for her great love of gardening and her expert gardening skills. Her gardens were breathtakingly beautiful. She entertained numerous city garden clubs, as well as passers-by, even tour buses on occasion. She was a member of her own garden club into her 90's. It was her great pleasure to receive The Flower City of the North grand prize in 1992. Always grateful for time to reflect, her most cherished time for prayer was in the garden... while planting, transplanting or quiet moments before her beautifully handcrafted Shrine of Mary. She was a culinary expert. Her baking and cooking expertise was exceptional. In winter the wonderful aroma of her savory soups was heartwarming and inviting. During the Holiday season every new and traditional holiday fare and dish graced her always elegantly festive dinner table. She canned her own homegrown tomatoes, pickle brines and relish. Her homemade fudge, spiced pecans, applesauce and jams were gifted to family and friends. She was a woman of grace and generosity. Always giving, not only to those she knew... to strangers as well. Her family was eternally blest. Dorothy was a woman of strength, magnanimous in spirit, gracious in her genuine interest and love toward everyone who crossed her path in friendship. She inspired our lives and our hearts with unfailing love and devotion. Her self-sacrifice was life long, always placing the needs of others before her own. Her life was devoted to God, prayer, family and friends. Proud to be a grandmother and great-grandmother, her grandchildren brought her life enormous joy, while she will always be a remembered blessing in theirs. Dorothy was devoted to her family. Many lifelong memories were made on Whiteface Lake north of Duluth, where she and Robert custom designed and built a beautiful log family cabin. Through the years she always took great pleasure in spending time outdoors, whether boating Island Lake, north of Duluth, camping Isle Royale, vacationing along the Gunflint Trail or sharing bonfires on their own Sucker River property, as well as picnics along the shore of Lake Superior. Dorothy and Robert loved traveling the United States and into Canada. Together, as well as with family and friends, they shared many wonderful, cherished memories. Dorothy's loving spirit will live on in her family's memory and in their hearts. She was their mother, mentor and always their best friend. She will be missed more than words can say.

Dorothy was preceded in death by parents, Axel and Catherine Anderson, husband Robert Edward, son Robert Scott, brother Robert, sisters Florence Pappas and Arlene Tillquist. Dorothy is survived by daughters Catherine (Randy) Sylvester, Christina Furo, both of Duluth, MN, Jennifer (Tom) Thackery, Mahtowa, MN, granddaughter Shayna (Shaun) Ross, great-grand-daughter Amalia Grace, great-grandson Aiden Dale, all or Duluth, MN, sister in law Marion Boyd, of St. Paul, Mn, and extended nieces and nephews. There will be a private family gathering in the spring. Many thanks to the staff, and especially the angel aides, at Viewcrest Health Center. Thanks also to Hospice here in Duluth. The journey was much easier with their help.