Dorothy Elizabeth Kessler

Dorothy Elizabeth Kessler, affectionately known as Fon Fon, was born September 16, 1928 in Paris, France.  She moved to England during World War II because of the German invasion and learned to speak English.  She later moved to Florida where she met Dean Kessler.  They married in Tampa on July 5, 1952.  Dorothy returned to France to live with her parents while Dean was stationed in northern Africa with the Air Force.  She had her first set of twins there.  The family moved to Boston, Massachusetts when Dean was reassigned.  They eventually moved to Michigan and had four more children.  Dorothy started teaching French in the local schools, and was a parent volunteer.  She enjoyed teaching rug making, cake decorating, and knitting at the local YMCA.  The family moved to Connecticut where she had another set of twins.  Dorothy started training in a new field, respiratory therapy.  She provided a home for many foster children.  She did needlework and provided Wee Care gowns to the local hospitals for premature babies.  The family moved to Washington, and she continued with her needlework activities.  She made comfort items for those in need.  She made doll clothes that were sold at auction for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  She did not let Parkinson’s disease slow her down.  She was a volunteer guardian ad litum for the court system, providing services for children.  On July 8, 2018, at the age of 89, Dorothy died in her home, in Kent, Washington.

Dorothy is survived by her sons: Dean Kessler, Jr. of Eureka, CA, Steven (Sara) Kessler of Kent, WA, Jeffery (Bibi) Kessler of Kent, WA, Peter (Harmony) Kessler of Penryn, CA; daughters: Kathryn Kessler of Kent, WA and Anne (William) McCutchan of Southbury, Connecticut; and brother Charles Kendrick Powell of Clinton, New Jersey; as well as 18 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her husband Dean Kessler, Sr., son David Kessler, and daughter Diane Kessler.

A graveside service will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 9:15 AM, where Dorothy will be interred with her husband Dean.

Anyone who wishes to make a charitable contribution in Dorothy’s memory should consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, to continue the care she spent her life giving, to children in need.

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