Dorothy Jean Loudon

1927 - 2021

Dorothy Jean Loudon
July 29, 1927 - January 17, 2021
Peoria, AZ
On January 17th, 2021 at the age of 93, Dorothy Jean Loudon departed this world to be in the Lord's care. Born in 1927 in Portland Oregon to Thales Thompson and Katherine McConnell, Dorothy was to become such a great inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to make her acquaintance. Her heart-warming smile, wonderfully infectious laugh, precious and enthusiastic love of life, family, and friends is truly her legacy, and will never be forgotten. Her soul and her inner beauty far exceeded her external perfection, and for this reason, she will always be remembered with extreme fondness and love by all who were blessed enough to cross her path. She was a true lady through and through and Heaven is fortunate to now have her in its presence.
As a wife and loving mother, Dorothy, although being for the most part a working mother, always found the time to take wonderful care of her family. Her abounding selflessness was apparent each and every day of her life. From taking the time to attend her kids' sporting events, helping with homework and school projects, to always assuring that nobody ever went hungry. Dorothy was the most gracious and incredible cook, and she never faltered in making sure that anyone who entered her home was attended to in one form or another whether it be family or a casual friend.
Over the years, Dorothy's career as an executive secretary proved to be extremely rewarding to her, both because she had become so very well-loved and adored by all with whom she came to know, but also because, as in her everyday life, she always put her heart into her paying job as well. Dorothy reluctantly retired from her executive secretary position at Salz Tannery in Santa Cruz, CA. in the late 1990's to devote herself to her job at home which was equally as rewarding for her. According to her daughter, Kathryn, Dorothy also spoke often of her Pi Phi sorority days while attending Oregon State University. Those were times in Dorothy's life that she truly treasured. Dorothy was also very fond of golfing, traveling, playing scrabble with friends and neighbors who never seemed to tire of losing, as well as lounging around on the beach with good friends while sipping a homemade cocktail from straws poked into a hollowed- out watermelon.
Death, coupled with the challenges that come our way throughout life, requires a great deal of strength and resolve. Dorothy Jean Loudon displayed both throughout her life, and this was greatly admired by all of her family, even when the time came for Dorothy to depart this world to return back "home".
Dorothy's passing was peaceful, as she well deserved. She was residing in Peoria, Arizona at the time. Dorothy had endured many hardships and heartbreaks throughout her life, yet, because of her unwavering strength and innate goodness, she always remained joyful and positive, and in good health while blessing all with her beautiful, heartwarming smile.
Upon the death of Dorothy's father, Thales Thompson, her mother Katherine remarried in 1930 to William McDermott who graciously, legally adopted Dorothy as his own.
In 1948, Dorothy married William Jackson Flynn, and through the course of their 12 year marriage, they brought four boys into the world. Their names are William K. Flynn, Thomas J. Flynn, David P. Flynn, and Lawrence W. Flynn. After William and Dorothy's marriage came to an end, she remarried in 1960 to James C. Loudon with whom, together, they brought two girls into the world. Their names are Kathryn J. Loudon, and Linda M. Loudon. Dorothy and Jim's marriage lasted for 54 years before Jim's passing on January 23rd, 2014.
Preceding Dorothy in death was her father, Thales Thompson, her mother, Katherine McDermott, her adoptive father, William McDermott, her infant sister, Marjorie in 1922, her son, David Patrick Flynn in 1971, her brother, Joe Thompson in 2012, her boys' father, William Jackson Flynn in 1989, and her beloved husband James Colin Loudon in 2014.
Dorothy is survived by her sons, William K. Flynn of Washington state, Thomas J. Flynn of Arizona and his son Peter, and Lawrence W. Flynn of Idaho and his son and daughter, Jackson and Rita, as well as her daughters Kathryn (Katie) J. Loudon of Santa Cruz, California and Linda M. Loudon of Colorado and her son, Tyler. Dorothy is also survived by her nephew Dan Thompson of Oregon, and a host of other family members including some cousins and their families.
Tahoma Cemetery in Yakima, Washington is to be Dorothy's final resting place alongside her husband, James C. Loudon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, West Clinical Office, 9435 W. Peoria Avenue, Peoria, AZ. 85345. Their selfless staff were instrumental in graciously caring for Dorothy in her final days as they continually monitored her to ensure her ongoing care and comfort.
It should be noted that Dorothy had but one very special wish for her family and friends when this time came, and that is, that we all remember her with joy in our hearts in celebrating her life, and not sadness. This is one final honor that we can bestow upon this wonderful lady with whom we have all been so blessed to be able to call Mom, Grandma, and friend.
Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there - I did not die. She will always in our hearts and minds.


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