Dorothy Nan Fouty

Dorothy Nan McBurney Fouty, 88, died Christmas morning at Providence Mount St. Vincent of Alzheimer’s-related symptoms, accelerated by COVID. Her passing was not unexpected, but it left her family and friends mourning the loss of an intelligent and vibrant woman who was a devoted wife/mother/grandmother/great grandmother.

She was Seattle-born and -educated, attending high school at Holy Names Academy (Class of 1950) where she made friendships that would last her lifetime. She began college at Seattle University, returning to college later to get her Associate’s degree from Seattle Central Community College. At Holy Names, she met Robert (Bob) Fouty from O’Dea High School. They married in 1955, and traveled across the county in the early years of their marriage as Bob undertook his medical training with an ever-growing family in tow. In 1961 they returned to Seattle where they lived for many years on Capitol Hill until the 1990s when they moved to Vashon Island. They remained together until his death in 2018.

Dorothy embraced life and gave generously. Those early years of travel as a young wife and mother sparked a life-long love of adventure and her passport tells a story of a world explored. These included trips to the Middle East and to the fabled city of Petra, to Europe, Japan, China, South Korea, Russia, and New Zealand, as well as many stateside trips.

She was a strong advocate for those with Down’s syndrome and their families, a passion sparked by the birth of her Down’s child, David. Beginning in 1962, she was active in the King County Association for Retarded Citizens (now known as Arc of Washington State), eventually serving as president. In 1981, Dorothy was asked to join the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council and in 1983 was appointed chair by Governor Spellman. Her leadership at the local and state levels has had a lasting impact on Washington State legislation for individuals with Down’s syndrome, their families, and the larger community.

The 1980s and 1990s saw Dorothy contributing to Holy Names’ growth and well-being through stewardship, fundraising, and alumni events. These efforts helped transform Holy Names into the academic and athletic powerhouse it is today. Her leadership, coalition building, and contributions led to the establishment of the Dorothy McBurney Fouty Volunteer of the Year award in her honor, and it is fittingly awarded annually at Christmas time.

Dorothy loved her husband and children, and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, felt blessed by her daughters-in-law and son-in-law, and cherished her friendships. On Vashon, Dorothy hosted her family and friends during summers and holidays. She enjoyed gardening and could be found many days among the lavender, zinnias, hydrangeas, daisies, and raspberries or swimming in the bay on warm summer days.

In her late 70s, she began to develop Alzheimer’s. For several years she remained on Vashon, cared for by her husband, Bob and her friend and caregiver, Susan Laughlin. Eventually, she moved to Providence Mount Saint Vincent in West Seattle where she was cared for with love and compassion.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her parents, William McBurney and Catherine Ossenbeck McBurney, and her brothers, Bill and Bob. She is survived by her six children, Suzanne, Karen, Mark (Christine Ann), Brian (Christine Lynn), David and Christine Amy; seven grandchildren, Dana, Erik, Natalie, Daniel, Anna, Carolene, and Andrew; and three great-grandchildren, Katherine, Claire and Madeline.