Dorothy Deutsch Thews

Dorothy Thews, age 98, died peacefully at home in Tucson on April 7, 2024. Survived by daughters Jean Thews of Tucson and Teresa Thews (Paul Scobie) of St. Paul; grandsons Daniel, Brennan (Justine), and Jonathan (Deirdre); and daughter-in-law Karen Thews. Predeceased by beloved son Eric Thews, husband Richard Thews, sister Janet Leaf, and brother Harold Deutsch Jr.

Dorothy was born on May 15, 1925 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Harold and Marie (Frey) Deutsch. She grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and, following high school, attended the University of Minnesota and the University of Chicago. She completed her master's degree in History, focusing on the Middle East. A fan of languages, she became fluent in German and French.

After college, Dorothy moved to Washington D.C. to work for the State Department. There, she met Richard, an electrical engineer. They married, settled in St. Paul, and became parents to three children. A loving, devoted, and fun mother, she shared her love of music, art, and history, and was passionate about women's rights. For years, she and Richard enjoyed sailing adventures on Lake Superior.

In 1971, Dorothy completed her master's degree in Library Science and began a fulfilling career as a librarian for the Minneapolis Public Library. Awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to participate in a librarian exchange program, she and Richard lived in Hamburg, Germany for 18 months while she worked at the Hamburg Library. She retired as Head of the Literature and Language Department in 1993.

In retirement, Dorothy taught English as a Second Language to immigrants in Minneapolis and college students in Hungary. She also volunteered at the Alliance Francaise in Minneapolis, the Arizona State Museum and Friends of the Library in Tucson. She and Richard were lifelong learners and enjoyed traveling. Living in Tucson during the winters, they explored the southwest, especially historical and archeology sites.

Richard passed away in 2012. In 2017, Dorothy moved to Tucson full-time, and in 2020, she moved into Jean's home. She lived the rest of her days enjoying walks, music, family visits and the household pets.

We would like to thank her devoted caregivers who lovingly assisted her during her final years.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Minnesota at a later date.