Homer Alaska - Obits -

Born in Juneau on April 16, 1928, to Gov. Waino E. and Marion Kingsnorth Hendrickson, Dorothea was a second generation Alaskan. She graduated from Juneau (-Douglas) High School in 1946, as did her father in 1916. Dorothea was tireless; she raised seven children while working outside of the home, both in Juneau and Anchorage. In 1964, she moved her family to Anchorage, where she became an active community member for the next three and a half decades. In 2001, Dorothea relocated to Edmonds, Wash., where she resided with her longtime friend, Elwin Wright. She had recently returned to Anchorage.

Dorothea was an active member of PEO in Juneau, Anchorage and Edmonds. She served as president of Anchorage Chapter K from 1985 through 1987 and also served as corresponding secretary for many years. While raising her children, Dorothea was involved in Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls; in Juneau she taught Bible school and was active in the pottery, homemakers, bridge and art clubs. As former executive secretary for Hope Cottage, she played a primary role in coordinating the first several "Walk for Hope" events in Anchorage. Dorothea's passion for community continued when she moved to Edmonds. She was actively involved with Kiwanis, PEO, the Juneau-Douglas Yearly Picnic and the Creative Retirement Institute. She was loved and respected by all who had the opportunity to know her.

Dorothea had a great sense of humor and a lifelong passion for learning; she was a talented artist who had painted and loved working with clay; she enjoyed gardening and exploring her beloved Alaska with her family, and instilled a deep love and respect of nature in her children and grandchildren. As the daughter of a mayor, territorial legislator and governor, Dorothea developed a keen interest in local, state and national politics that remained with her throughout her life. She read widely and in her later years readily adopted the Internet as a tool to stay in touch with her many friends and family and to continue her joy of learning.

Dorothea never met a stranger and was quick to share when others were in need. She provided a stable home to numerous friends of her children and grandchildren throughout the years. Her care and compassion for animals gave many a stray dog and cat a loving home.

Dorothea took enormous pride in her children and their families. Her greatest legacy was to instill in her children and grandchildren a sense of social responsibility; the need to make the world a better place through respectfulness, education, social justice and kindness; and to champion the cause of positive and productive change.

Dorothea was preceded in death by her mother, father and daughter, Arleta M. Sarno.

She is survived by her six remaining children: five sons and daughters-by- marriage: Craig M. K. and Gayle Forrest of Homer; Linn A. (Sandy) and Mary Forrest III of Roswell, Georgia; Donald Forrest and Lori Soloman of Port St. Lucy, Fla.; David M. and Tish Forrest of Juneau; Steve and Penny Forrest of Anchorage; and, one daughter and son-by-marriage, Elaine M. and Gar Jordan of Wasilla.

She is also survived by her 17 grandchildren: Misti Forrest, Terra M. Benson, Dan Forrest, Gwen M. Forrest, Michael Sarno, Lohali Sarno, Veida Forrest, Aleta Sarno, Matt Forrest, Lindsay Forrest, Megan Forrest, Don Forrest, Catherine Forrest, Brianna M. Forrest, Tristan Forrest, Makaila Forrest and Nathaniel Forrest. Additionally, she is survived by her five great-grandchildren: Taylor M. Benson, Emily M. Forrest, Erin M. Forrest, William Forrest and Ann J. Forrest. Finally, Dorothea is survived by her dear friend, Elwin Wright.

Memorial donations may be made in Dorothea's name to the following: PEO Scholar Awards, Anchorage Chapter K, c/o Sharon McKenzie - Treasurer, 5412 W. Dimond Blvd. No. 1 Anchorage, AK 99502.