Dec 20, 2009
My Aunt Dorothy (AKA Aunt "Dottie Lou") was a dear soul who demonstrated an ongoing enthusiasm for life, an unwavering love of God, and a profound concern for humanity. It is true that she was a bit eccentric, too, which was both challenging and inspiring. Her intellect and wit kept you on your toes, while her warmth allowed you to relax and let go, with the joyousness of her laughter. Her poetry and artwork spoke to the heart and stimulated the mind, elegantly, and honesty. Dorothy made a mark in the memories of all who knew her. Hard to forget, she remains much loved and sorely missed. Shine on, Dorothy, as the glowing palette of the setting sun over Albuquerque, where you met your true love, Bill. Together, send us a rainbow to remind us that, in God's love for us, there exists no fear and no death.
- Respectfully, your niece, Sheran (aka Xyra) Harper-Cann, USA
Dec 16, 2009
I meet dorothy around 2000 at her art studio in Livermore, California. I truely believed in her faith and shared it with me. For a short time we tried to merge her art studio with cermamic painting store. Dorothy was very loving to all children young or old. See was always a blessing to the chidren. At that time I have two daghters one Bethany at 13 years old at the time. She painted a portiat of her in purlpe color paints. Jillian who was only 9 years old made many hand objects. I still hold them dear. Dorothy and I used to laugh so hard together late at night when everything was so still. The photo of her reminds me as I remember her with her bible in one hand. Last time I saw Dorothy before she left for her Journey. She came to the house to bring four pieces of her cermanic works. Two pieces sit in my garden. It was just the day before I was in my garage cabinets in brought in a piece I never displayed in put it in a christmas display. IT has a broken ear in which Dorothy never wanted to fix.It looks strange looking animal black and white stripes that goes around the figure. Then I picked up the newspaper and read about her death. So I went out again took out the famous pig head in a bowl. IT is now sitting out in my living room to share the silly story with my daughters when they arrive home from colleges for the Christmas celebration now 19, almost 23 years old. i was happy to read she was with family at the time of her death. Prayer already has been said by me. Dorothy 's friend,
- Pattie, USA
Dec 15, 2009
We will always remember Dorothy fondly. She sketched our daughter about 15 or so years ago. We framed the sketch, and it hangs in our living room where we see it every day. I'm so glad that our paths crossed with hers in Livermore. Condolences to Dorothy's family.
- Cyndy and Thad Salmon, USA
Dec 15, 2009
She was/is my friend and the most intelligent human being I have ever known. She loved her church, she loved her fellow man, most of all she loved God and made it her life to demonstrate the love she had for her fellow beings with "unceasing prayer." She would shelter and give to those that society would label as transient or worthless. She never gave up on anyone. Her love of God, her compassion towards all others, her kindness was a constant example for me. Often I would become restless or angry over others seemingly stupid or inconsiderate behavior. She would correct me by saying "they are doing their highest sense of right." She would continue to find a way to love. Even her own branch church did not understand her and inevitably would reject her. Her kindness, her generosity was not of this world, it came to her from a "holier" place than earth and she recognized that. She practiced that love which God holds for all of his beloved. She practiced and demonstrated to me the Science of Love. She spoke eloquently with an intelligence, articulation of words that always spoke of a higher understanding of God. She was humble, often like that of a small child. She followed the teachings of Jesus and adored the writings of Mary Baker Eddy. As a fellow student of Christian Science, I loved listening to her testimonies in church because they often had a lesson learned using the Science of Christ that I could understand and appreciate. She was often misunderstood because of her kindness, her generosity, her humility, her compassion, and her aspiration to follow the life of Christ, a Christian life. Someday perhaps her artwork will bring to her a recognition of celebrity, however in the eyes of God she is a celebrity. I wish for my life to be able to emulate her more. For these reasons, she was the most intelligent person I have ever known. Her intelligence was truly a gift to me and to all mankind. She'll be missed and celebrated.
- Ken Anderson, Livermore, CA USA
Dec 14, 2009
Dorothy will always have a very dear spot in my heart for her loyalty and love expressed to my mother, Barbara, who she visited every week for many years.
- Anonymous, USA
Dec 13, 2009
She was a sweet lady and I am saddened to hear about her passing. She was a walking angel on earth. I have several of her sculptures, drawings, books and art supplies, because she generously gave things to me and my husband every time we saw her. We cherish them truly.
- Barbara S., USA
Dec 11, 2009
Dorothy, the world is a better place because you were here. Rest dear Dorothy, until we meet again. With love, Jon
- Jon Hart, USA
Dec 10, 2009
I met Dorothy on a recent trip to Turkey. I shall never forget her patience, loving kindness, and zest for living. She was a talented artist who happily shared her talents with strangers she greeted on our tour. I shall always remember her looking from her sketchpad to the person in each portrait.
- Jayne H., USA
Dec 9, 2009
Dorothy came to my Nearbrook Bed and Breakfast two years ago. We had such a wonderful time creating in clay on my side porch.... I wish I had seen more of her work. -Lovingly, Barbie R., USA
Dec 8, 2009
She will be missed for her lovely smile and generous spirit.
- Lovingly, Ann M. W., USA
Dec 4, 2009
I have to say that [I am] honored to know her.
- Yumi L., USA
Dec 3, 2009
My condolonces to you. I'd met her on her last trip to Turkey in Turkey. She had drawn my picture.... It's sitting on my mantle. Now, it has become more dear for me. I'll remember her as a very gentel soul. I'm happy she enriched my life.
- Fügen G., Istanbul,Turkey
Dec 3, 2009
I loved your mom as a dear friend who always was kind and insightful and wise - in looking at these photos I remember how free an joyful she was at the opening of this show - everyone enjoyed being with her. She [sure] was wonderful - her art has a joy and innocence and freedom about it - as she did. [and Dec 11, 2009] Dorothy was much loved by many. She was indeed a world citizen, looking with love and compassion and joy upon whom all se met, wherever she went and I know she brought light into many lives. I always remember her drawing portraits of many people and just marveling at how that individual was being blessed, just by BEING with her while she drew...it was precious to watch.
- Cynthi T., USA
Nov 30, 2009
She had many friends at th Kaji Aso Studio who enjoyed her enthusiasim for painting, poetry,and good deeds.... My memory of Dorothy will always be of her smiling. It seemed she had a smile each time we met. I will miss that most. her.
- Gary T., USA
Nov 28, 2009
Your mother was an important person in my life and my children, whose artistic talents she nurtured from a young age. My oldest daughter is now a PhD student at UW MAdison, in Art History, and Dorothy played a role in encouraging her choices! She was always our friend, too, she helped me immeasurably in the days after I lost my husband. We were friends in art, children, teaching, Livermore, but most importantly, Christ. I am not Christian Scientist, but the faith and Biblical knowledge she shared with me I will keep eternally. I look forward to meeting her again in Heaven, oh the fun we will share!
-
Martha C. and Caitlin and Kendra S., USA
Nov 28, 2009
I am truly sorry to hear of Dorothy's passing. I enjoyed communicating with her. She expressed and still expresses Soul's beauty and grace. My prayers go out to you and your family at this time.
- Keith W., USA
Nov 27, 2009
Dorothy held a special place in my heart. She and my grandmother, Izzy, had a sweet and lively bond. I remember spending time at her house when I was younger and still have a photography book that she gave me one visit after she noticed me enjoying the book. Beyond that, Dorothy gave me so much when she helped my mom, Tammy. My mom struggled with undiagnosed mental illness and caused many people much trouble. Dorothy always saw my mom as a person first, rather than as a problem, and not many people could do that. I'm glad to have several drawings and portraits of family members drawn by Dorothy. My favorite is one of Izzy when she was older with brilliant pastel colors. It is inspired and captures the qualities I loved best about my grandmother.
- Tara I. H., USA
Nov 26, 2009
My wife Jill and I send our heartfelt prayers to you and yours. Dorothy was a very inspiring free spirit. We served as ushers together at The Mother Church and saw some of her art which we thought was excellent.... She was the sweetest person, so full of love. From my conversations with her it sounded like she lived a full life. I rejoice in knowing she goes on with her living that full life. Warmest regards, Bill and Jill C.
- Bill and Jill C., USA
Nov 26, 2009
II will mourn her passing - she was a dear friend and a great individual.
- David M., USA
Nov 26, 2009
Dorothy was such a good friend. I'm sure you know all the qualities about her which made her so. I will miss seeing Dorothy in Glastonbury and in Boston. I did stop by to see her twice in Chestnut Hill and I know that she was exactly where she wanted to be.
- Katherine, USA
Nov 26, 2009
I am so grateful to have had some one-on-one time with Dorothy last June when we were both guests at the DoubleTree at the Berkeley Marina. We shared a salmon dinner and had a delightful time. She had been doing some sketches and she gave me a pencil drawing of a face which I have hanging in my home. O how we’ll miss her.
- Ellen A., USA
Nov 26, 2009
I’m so very sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. She was a very wonderful friend to me during our tour of Turkey in 2008. We spent a couple of weeks in May of that year traveling around together....Then there was the time that our tour visited the biblical site of Derbe (which is only an unexcavated mound out in the middle of nowhere). We had to drive through a village to get to this mound, and we stopped to eat lunch in the town square of this village. Lunch consisted of sandwiches and fruit juice in the public park. When we were there, the locals told us that they needed rain, so after we visited Derbe, most of us on the tour bus (including your mom) prayed for rain in the area. Your mom even painted a picture of Derbe in water colors (which I still have and cherish). Within the hour, it rained. Also, I remember your mom saying that she could see herself moving to Turkey to live. This touched me dearly because I have been living in Turkey for 43 years now and have adopted it as my home....With all my love and sincere sympathy,
- Gloria O. H., Turkey
Nov 26, 2009
I will keep her lively mind and warm motherly nature - essentially her God-given qualities - in good memory.
- Falk W., USA
Nov 26, 2009
Thank you for writing to me...I felt compelled by goodness itself to write to you that you may know....One day i am on the bus coming from downtown boston going down tremont street and i notice a woman sitting across from me....She was reading if i recall it correctly. As it were we got involved in a conversation concerning God...Thats how i met your mom my new friend and she was kind...She even gave me a book..We managed to write to each other a couple of times but never really got the chance to come to know each other in much detail....Only that we both loved goodness and we both saw goodness as holy...even God....So be blessed my friend....Be blessed that not only did your mom know goodness.....but goodness knows your mom.....let it give you peace..let it give you celebration in having whatever it was you had between yourself and your mom and those who loved her....Celebrate her life in the name of Goodness and be blessed knowing goodness always has and always will take care of your mom.....God bless you in the name of Jesus....May goodness be with you as well......Lord rest her soul...Amen.
- Larry G., USA
Nov 26, 2009
Dorothy traveled with Olene C. and me to Turkey in May of 2008 - and we so enjoyed having her with us. As you may know (and could probably guess anyway!), she had a wonderful time sketching wherever we were! We loved watching her connect with the "locals" and seeing their joy at being drawn! ...Your mom made it her mission to sketch every one of us on the tour. She always gave her completed pictures to the subject. So there are a number of folks - in Turkey and in America - who have Dorothy Gordon originals of themselves! I have no doubt that your mom continues to use her God-given talents - including her love of people! Such gifts are eternally hers. My love to you and the rest of Dorothy's family. Her life has touched mine in a way that I shall always remember.
- Nancy F., USA
Nov 25, 2009
Dorothy was a really sincere friend of mine. When I was on my Boston trip in the winter of 2006, we met each other in a Christian Science book store. We chatted a lot about the city, arts and culture and took several photos. She also bought me a poem book as a gift and let me keep one of her drawings. Later in the summer of 2007, it was she who helped out my friend and me to find a "home-stay" place as our accommodation. We appreciated it very much. She had been a very very nice and helpful friend to me. We used to greet each other and tell news about ourselves. Once she invited me to go to her art show in Boston, but unlucky for me, I was not able to make it. On this special day, I felt terrible when receiving your email. I promised her to visit her someday and bring her to visit China. Your mother was a great person; she had strong faith in God, and used her power to cheer me up whenever I encountered adversities. I appreciate everything that I have experienced because of knowing her.And, hereby, please allow me on behalf of my friends who once got help from her, to express our deep sorrow. Please help me to place a bunch of white lily when you go to see her next time....
- Fei F., China
Nov 25, 2009
I am sure she is looking upon us and smiling. She has such a beautiful heart. She will always be remembered. God bless you, Dorothy and her entire family. Love, Peace & Gratitude, Yours, Kalina
- Kalina U., USA
Nov 25, 2009
We all miss Dottie. LOVE,
- Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Fred, USA
Nov 23, 2009
Dottie was a very special cousin and we shared many happy times on the farm at Shipman, VA. as well as visits with Aunt Dot and the rest of the family when they lived in Washington, DC. Dottie was several years older but that never seemed to make a difference in our love and sharing in each others lives. She was a joy to spend time with and always a sweet spirit. We emailed on a relatively regular basis. I have a piece of her pottery she brought me on one of her visits to my place. She was truly an artist with a heart for her subjects. I loved Aunt Dot....such a grand lady.
- Kathy H., USA