Dorothy Delsart

Dorothy Carol Delsart, nee Ford, age 101, of Green Bay passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at Bishop's Court Assisted Living. She was born on March 23, 1911 to the late Edward and Laurella (Peterson) Ford. After graduating from West High School, Dorothy went on to further her education by attending Teachers' Normal School in Algoma. She taught in a one-room country school until she married and began her family. On Oct. 8, 1944 she married Gordon Delsart at the Methodist Church in Sturgeon Bay.

Dorothy was a lifelong member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday school for many years, volunteered at Grancare Nursing Home, and was also a member of Susanna Circle.

Dorothy was one of the original members of the Green Bay Bird Club and also served as Treasurer of the N.E.W. Audubon Society for a number of years.

Dorothy was very athletic, especially in her youth. She was a pitcher for a softball team, swam competitively with many ribbons to show for her efforts, and taught swimming at the YMCA. She was also a Girl Scout leader for many years.

Dorothy was proud of her heritage (English, Scotch, Irish, Dutch, Norwegian) and her relatives who fought in the American Revolution and the Civil War. One of her relatives, Capt. Peter Peterson was a Norwegian sea captain with one of the fastest schooners on the Great Lakes in the 1800s.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Shirley Delsart-Kamijima and Keisuke Kamijima, a son and daughter-in-law, Elaine and Tom Delsart, and two grandchildren, Amanda and Tyler Delsart. She was very proud of her grandchildren. She is also survived by many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gordon, brother, Jim "Spice King" Ford, and sister, Gertrude Pardowsky.

Friends may call on Monday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 341 Wilson Ave., from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Diane Rew officiating. Burial will be in Fort Howard Memorial Park.

Dorothy's family would like to thank the entire staff at Bishop's Court for the care and kindness shown to Dorothy during the past 9 years. They also thank the nurses and staff of Unity Hospice who provided compassionate care during her final days.

Donations may be made in Dorothy's name to the Salvation Army Senior Group in Green Bay where she spent many happy times.

Dorothy will always be remembered for her smile, her jokes, her cheerful personality, and willingness to help others. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.