Dolores Mary Neal, 90 of Port Townsend, Washington, passed away Feb. 7, 2022, surrounded by the loving embrace of her children. She was a force of nature, a caring woman with great optimism and joy, unwavering in her love of her family, and was always appreciative of what life offered. She is dearly missed.
Dolores was born Jan. 11, 1932, in Everett, Wash., the daughter of Sylvester A. F. and Mary Louise Koch. She was their only child. She graduated from Marysville High School and then attended Seattle University.
On Feb. 2, 1952, she married Thomas Clinton Neal, introduced to him by his sister, Virginia Kohl (Neal) her childhood friend. Together Tom and Dolores raised eight children in Port Angeles, Wash. Dolores loved the outdoors and all celebrations; she orchestrated camping, picnicking, birthday and holiday parties. She appreciated gifts, giving generously, and receiving with joy and surprise. Never judgmental, encouraging and helpful to others, she was a whirlwind of energy, vital and loving. She enjoyed theatre, music, and playing her piano. She was a true naturalist, an avid gardener and loved exploring the Olympic Peninsula’s waterways, mountains and beaches, identifying birds and plants, and was always game for an adventure.
In 1983 she started a 24-year, second career, becoming a real estate broker in Port Angeles. She enjoyed helping people find their special homes and working with her friends in the business.
She and Tom enjoyed traveling abroad and visiting family. In 1986 they moved to Port Townsend, Wash., and built their home on the beach at Discovery Bay.
In later years she enjoyed reciting poems, telling stories, and going for walks. She always made the effort to stay connected with her extended family and dear friends, delighting in the children and grandchildren. She donated generously of her time to the Catholic Church and Rotary of which she was a valued member. She was a life-long member of the Olympic Peninsula Women’s Study Club.
We are all blessed to have been a part of her special life.
She is survived by children, Kathryn Jeannine Neal, David Edward Neal, Mathew Jay Neal, Janet Patricia Neal, Barbara Marie Bodker (Neal), Paul Anthony Neal, Jeanne Therese Neal, and Carolyn Ann Neal; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Mrs. Neal was preceded in death by her husband Tom; brothers-in-law, Jerry Neal, Bud Kohl and Hank Raymond; and sister-in-law, Anne Raymond.
A service celebrating Dolores’s life will be held Saturday, May 14, at Saint Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Port Townsend with rosary at 10 a.m. followed by Mass and a reception.
Dolores will be laid to rest in Port Townsend, Wash., next to her beloved husband Tom. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Dungeness River Audubon Center.
