Dorothy Edith Estelle Breitenbach

Dorothy Edith Estelle Breitenbach, age 86, passed away on December 5th, 2024, in Port Ludlow, Washington. Dorothy was born in Port Angeles, WA on June 10, 1938, to Thomas Napier and Phillis B. Hibben. Growing up in and around Tacoma, WA, Dorothy was the youngest of four siblings and the only sister, developing her inner strength at an early age. Dorothy attended Lincoln High School where she did well in academics and played flute in the school band. While participating in an all-city band, she took a liking to fellow band member Bruce Breitenbach, so much so that when the Lincoln band was short on members, she convinced them to invite Bruce from rival Stadium High School to fill in.

After graduation, Dorothy continued her education at Washington State College, separated from Bruce who attended the University of Washington. The separation did not last as Bruce soon followed Dorothy to WSC and the high school sweethearts were married in 1959. Dorothy graduated from WSC with BA in Elementary Education and began her career teaching in Palouse, WA. Upon Bruce’s graduation, the couple moved back to western Washington and started a family, raising three children.

Raising children and supporting a husband, growing a small business was where Dorothy shined. Her inner strength, selflessness, and fortitude allowed her to care intently for her family. She volunteered at the children’s schools, supported their extracurricular activities, and made wedding cakes as a side business. She enjoyed sewing, cross-stitching, and gardening with a special fondness for growing dahlias. As the children grew, Dorothy worked full time with Bruce, managing the office for their small business until retirement in 2008.

Following retirement, Dorothy and Bruce moved to a home in Port Ludlow, WA. The quiet home, overlooking Puget Sound, saw many special times spent with new and old friends, family, and neighbors. The couple loved to travel in their RV, exploring the western U.S., often ending up at the Pacific Ocean, one of their favorites.

Dorothy gave her all to her family, asking for hugs and time with her husband, children, grand and great-grandchildren in return. She is missed.

Family and friends are invited to share memories of Dorothy and sign the online guestbook.