I have such fond memories of Dorothy!
We made contact when she wanted to travel to the Netherlands, to visit the U.S.-declared site of cemetery, where her brother, who was killed in the Netherlands during WWII. was buried.She had never traveled abroad and had heard that I was from the Netherlands, and that I frequently visited my home country.
We met up in Amsterdam, where I met her at a hotel where she had spent the night, and together we went to the train station to board a train taking us to the South of the Netherlands. We chatted and got to know each other a bit.
Dorothy's arrival was expected at the American cemetery, where soldiers' graves were marked by crosses. She was welcomed by an officer in uniform, and led to the grave site of her beloved brother.
It was a solemn and emotional moment for her. She was given all the time she needed and wanted.
The journey back to Amsterdam was spent by her telling me how much her brother was loved by her., and how his death had affected her.
After this event, we became friends, and back in Iowa City we would visit or have lunch at her favorite restaurant on First Avenue, , and chat.
Often I stopped by her lovely home where she proudly would show her garden!!
I visited her when she was in the nursing home, later after I had moved to Florida, but would still visit IA , the last time was in 2015, her face lit up but I was not certain if she recognized me.
The memories of this sweet, wonderful lady will remain with me forever! I feel grateful to have known her, her gentle, sweet soul.
Ann Tanna
Sarasota, Florida
