Dorothy Browne

Dorothy Louise Browne, age 96 of Portland, Ore. passed away peacefully on February 15, 2020 at Willamette View from complications due to a stroke. She was born on November 8, 1923 in Buhl, Idaho to William Duncan and Ada Mae Stone Duncan and was the youngest of seven.

After her father died, she and her family moved to Walla Walla, Washington where Dorothy spent much of her childhood. Dorothy graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1941 and started work in the office of a local grocery store. She then worked at Sears department store and it was there that she met her husband J. Wayne Hereford. They married in 1943 in Paso Robles, Calif. near Camp Roberts where Wayne was stationed. The beginning of their marriage coincided with WWII and she traveled to be with him while he was stationed in Idaho and Georgia. Eventually he was deployed to Europe and Dorothy returned to Walla Walla and started work at Continental Can Company where she implemented a new bookkeeping system.

After the war, Dorothy and Wayne spent many happy years together in Walla Walla. She was active in civic and community life as Wayne’s wife while he was the finance commissioner and then the mayor. She also worked for his CPA firm. While in Walla Walla, she was active in politics at the county and state level. Towards the end of her time in Walla Walla, she and Wayne purchased a farm. They both wanted their children to have the experience of farm life, raising animals and growing many fruits and vegetables.

Her husband Wayne passed away in 1966. In 1968 she married W. James Browne of Portland, Ore. and moved to Lake Oswego, Ore. The two of them led a full life with children from both families while living on the lake. One of her favorite pastimes was taking sunset rides in their boat, the “Dottie Sue.” She and Jim traveled extensively all over the world.

After Jim died, she had a beach house built on the Oregon coast and spent as much time there as she could, including hosting many family gatherings and celebrations. She met Charles Thorne and they continued to travel together, spending several winters in the southwest. Later, she retired to Willamette View, an independent living community in Portland, Ore.

Dorothy was passionate about her family and was close with her sisters. As her family grew, despite her age, she quickly learned that social media was a vehicle to follow the lives of her grandchildren. At age 85, she joined Facebook to stay connected to her family. She was always there in spirit or in person for birthdays, graduations and weddings.

She loved traveling the world and experiencing other cultures across nearly all the continents. She was also an avid reader. Dorothy was a superb hostess and excellent cook, always making everyone feel warm, happy, and joyful when in her presence. She shared her love of travel with her entire family. Dorothy lived an amazing life. Her motto was, “If I can envision it, I can do it.”

Dorothy was preceded in death by her son David Hereford. She is survived by her remaining three children, Susan, Jay and his wife Karin, Mark Hereford, and David’s wife Jaye. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

On February 22, 2020 there will be a celebration of life for Dorothy held in “The Lounge” at The Windward, 130 A Ave., Lake Oswego, Ore., from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation in Dorothy Browne’s name to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.