Obituary of Charlene Marie Dorcy

Charlene Marie Colby Dorcy, age 91, passed away surrounded by family on 3/5/2020 after a brief illness, at PeaceHealth Hospital in Vancouver, Washington. She and her husband, Bernard Dorcy, made their home in Shelton, WA for most of their married life of 73 years. She is survived by her devoted husband, Bernie, her 5 children: Marica Echols (Michael), Lane (Barb), Kevin (Kathy), Barb Smith (Jack), Bruce (Laura), 13 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, her sister Mary Lou Orluske, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and one sister, Frances Forhan. Charlene was born in Bellingham, Washington to Merritt and Mary Colby. Although her father died when she was 11, she enjoyed a happy childhood with her mother and 2 sisters. Charlene and Bernie met through one of his sisters while both were still in high school. They married after her graduation when she was 18 and he was 20. They were a loving and devoted couple for 73+ years. After their first grandchild was born 45 years ago, everyone in the family called her Mimi. Mimi was a wonderful mother, always attentive to her children and their needs. As they got older, she worked for a Shelton optometrist at first part time and then fulltime. She sewed, knitted, quilted and crocheted. After retirement, Bernie and Charlene traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. They wintered in Indio, CA for 30+ years, before returning to Shelton to live full time at their home on Spencer Lake. Mimi was a member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Shelton, Washington where she was involved in many activities until the last few years when she and Bernie moved to Alpine Way Retirement Home in Shelton. At a date to be determined, there will be a mass at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Shelton. It will be followed by a Celebration of Life for family and friends in the church’s gathering space. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Make-a-Smile Foundation or Make-a-Wish Foundation.