Dorothy (Hash) Poepping

Dorothy M. Poepping

February 25, 1917 – March 31, 2014

Dorothy Marietta Poepping was the last of three children born to Lensy Roy and Beatrice Hash in Butte, Montana.  Her father died when she was three years old.  After several years the family eventually relocated to Oregon, where they settled in the Sellwood area, the community in which Dorothy resided for the majority of her life.

She married Carl Fox in 1938 and they were divorced in 1946.  In May of 1966, she married  Joseph Poepping, after years of courtship.  They purchased their Sellwood home that same year and enjoyed golfing and trips to Hawaii and California during their ten years of marriage.  Sadly, Joe passed away suddenly in February, 1976.

Dorothy worked for Pacific Northwest Bell for many years.  During the course of her career she worked in San Francisco as well as Portland.  She retired in 1979, and participated in the Telephone Pioneers luncheons into her early 90’s.

She remained active during most of her 35-year retirement.  She was fastidious about maintaining her home and grounds.  She volunteered at Leach Botanical Garden and for years was also in charge of logging their volunteer hours.  She was also active in the English Speaking Union and Monday Musical.  She found great joy in making countless scones and cookies for fundraising events for these various entities over the years, as well as for St. Agatha Catholic Church in Sellwood (and the neighborhood children).

While Dorothy had no children of her own, she was a wonderful sister and aunt.  In her mid-80’s she moved her sister Beverly, born with Down’s Syndrome, into her home for four years and gave her the most wonderful life she possibly could until Beverly’s death at age 69 in 2001.  She also took her role as aunt very seriously, and in fact came to be known as “Aunt Dorothy” to many in our extended family over the years.

Aunt Dorothy is survived by Allen Hash (Linda), Portland; Barbara Whitehead (Tom), Benton City, WA; Ruth Penner (Charlie), Woodridge, CA; Patsy Abby (Bill), Elverta, CA; Brian Phillips (Eileen), Keene, NH; Ian Phillips, Clarksville, TN, and Nina Chu (Ken), Pinole, CA, as well as many other great nieces/nephews.

The family is deeply grateful to her caregivers both at Pacifica Senior Living Portland, and Adventist Health/Hospice.  Those interested in making a charitable donation in her name may do so to the charity of their choice or to Adventist Health/Hospice care of 5835 NE 122 ^nd Avenue, Ste. 135, Portland OR 97230.

A memorial service will be held at Rose City Cemetery on Friday, April 25 ^th at 10:00 a.m.