"Loved by the entire Goldberg (Fading) family, Dorothy was to our mother Lorraine, one of her best friends for many years. Dorothy and Lorraine traveled abroad on a number of occasions. And, even though it wasn't always the perfect pairing, they complimented each other well. Dorothy could be very funny and we are grateful to be the beneficiaries of an amusing story she wrote about their travels on land and sea throughout the State of Alaska. Thank you Klinger family for capturing her essence so beautifully in your tribute. Melvin, Alice & Johnny Goldberg-Fading, Lawrence & Shani Hulugalle-Goldberg, Anjalie Pieres, and, Chrruti Pieres"
In loving memory of
Dorothy H. Klinger
May 19, 1920 - June 17, 2018
DOROTHY H. KLINGER
Dorothy Margaret Harrington Klinger, age 98 passed peacefully on June 17, 2018. She was born the oldest of four children in Canton, Ohio on May 19,1920 to Ralph Harrington and Estelle Harrington (Evans).
Dorothy graduated from Warren High School in Warren, Pennsylvania in 1936. She married Keith Klinger in January, 1943 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Keith's work in building materials sales provided Dorothy and the family with opportunities to live in cities throughout the United States which she found interesting and enjoyed. As a young housewife and mother, Dorothy was involved with her children's school and extracurricular activities and several community social clubs.
During the 1960's, Dorothy sought and obtained work at the University of Washington. She held various jobs in the UW Medical Center and was promoted to computer administrator at the UW Computing Center where she enjoyed working until age 78. During this time, she also volunteered as a court appointed special advocate where she worked tirelessly on behalf of children placed in foster care. She participated on the Board of Directors for Seattle Community Psychiatric Clinic, volunteered at Children's Orthopedic Hospital and the Cancer Society among others.
Dorothy loved cooking, entertaining, writing, beading, nurturing her miniature orange tree and taking full advantage of all electronic conveniences. She remained stylish throughout her life and enjoyed travels to Europe, Hawaii and to visit her children in California and Minnesota as well as visits to towns and relatives where she grew up. She also enjoyed times when her children, grandchildren and many friends came to see her. Dorothy drove her little car at an age well past what was safe, taking enjoyment from picking up friends and going to the theater, Husky Football games, movies and dinners.
Dorothy was predeceased by husband, Keith in 1975; son, Keenan Klinger, grandson, Stacey Klinger and Dorothy's siblings Walter, Ralph, and John.
She is survived by children Keith Klinger (Phyllis) of University Place, WA; Candace Gullett of Minneapolis, MN; Julie Smith (Reed) of Seattle, WA and Eric Klinger (Brenda) of Elk Grove, CA. She is also survived by grandchildren Sadie, Wilson, Skyler, Kristin, Cameron, Kallie and a great grandson, Otto.
Dorothy will be missed, but not forgotten by her family and many friends. No memorial services are planned. Remembrances can be sent to National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), 1401 E Jefferson, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98122 or your favorite charity. Please sign Dorothy's guest book on the tribute page at this site.
Tributes
"Julie and family, I am so sorry for your family's loss. Dorothy sounds like one heck of a woman! How lucky you were to have her in your lives for such a long time. I'm keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Laura Plough HNA '76"
"These comments are made from my perspective as the oldest of Keith?s and Dorothy?s 5 children. We three older children experienced life when things were relatively better than when the 2 younger children experienced more difficult circumstances. Be that as it may, Dorothy was a fine woman and human being who did a good job in raising us under sometimes trying times. The themes of her life were strength, resilience and support of her children. She wasn?t necessarily user friendly, but by her actions, she was conscientious and caring. I understand that my siblings might have differing perspectives as the younger ones were exposed to the hardships our mother was confronted with during their vulnerable and formative years. I would like to comment on our father, Keith. Dad was a gifted, kind and caring father who would go any distance to provide us with everything he could to show that he loved us. He was a man confronting hardships based on the nature of his upbringing. In view of and in-spite of this, Dad was the finest man that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Granted, during his times of troubles, this would not be much, but it was as much as he could give as circumstances permitted. In short, he actually gave more than he had to give. Dorothy, on the other hand was a talented, intelligent and driven person with an active social life who was able to be productive and successful after losing our Dad. This included volunteering and helping kids and charities and a successful career as a computer administrator at the University of Washington. I am convinced that being kind and caring parents gave meaning and direction to their lives. Unfortunately, Dad?s life was cut short by the personal hardships he endured. All of us have led successful and productive lives even with all the challenging circumstances we experienced growing up. I am positive that Mom and Dad are proud of us and our accomplishments. In closing, I will say, to both of our parents, thank you for a job well done in raising 5 fine children under difficult circumstances. Thank you and god bless you both! Your loving son, Keith "