Dorothy Yoshitomi Au

Dorothy Au, 89, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2020 at home in Newberg. Dorothy Yoshitomi was born in Milwaukie, Oregon in 1931 to Keijiro and Shimo Yoshitomi, the fifth of six children. Keijiro and Shimo immigrated to the United States in 1922, partnering with their cousins in farming. The Yoshitomis were among Japanese Americans interned during WWII; their family was sent to Minidoka, Idaho. When the war ended, Dorothy’s family returned to Milwaukie. Upon graduating from Milwaukie High School, Dorothy went to Oregon State University and the University of Oregon School of Nursing (now Oregon Health Sciences University) in Portland, Oregon, where she worked with people who became lifelong friends. At the wedding of a mutual friend, she became re-acquainted with Hawkin Au, whom she had met at OSU. She and Hawkin married in 1960 and celebrated 58 years together. Hawk and Dorothy had four daughters. As the family grew, they moved from Beaverton to Newberg to a house Hawk and Dorothy built on Parrett Mountain where they also grew a Christmas tree farm. Their daughters all completed their school years in Newberg and many friends found welcome at the Au’s. Annual Christmas tree cutting parties became favorite gatherings of friends old and new. Many memories were also made at the beach house on the central Oregon coast. Kind, loyal and generous, Dorothy expressed her many talents in service to family and friends through calligraphy, sewing, quilting, gardening and hospitality. Good food, pottery, garage sales and bowling also gave opportunities for her to appreciate treasures and spend time with friends. She served as a deacon at church and was beloved for her hospitality, banners and beach retreats. Dorothy cheered on her children and grandchildren at countless sporting events and concerts and was a true Beavers fan. While empty nesters she and Hawkin enjoyed travelling, both across the States in their RV and internationally. They then moved from their Parrett Mountain home to the Friendsview community in Newberg. Dorothy is survived by her brother, Kay; and her four daughters: Jennifer, Allison, Cynthia, and Maureen, eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Hawkin. Burial services will be private for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church Newberg, OHSU School of Nursing (see OHSU Foundation in memory of Dorothy Yoshitomi Au), Friends of Minidoka, or Habitat for Humanity Newberg Branch.

Dorothy Yoshitomi Au

July 7, 1931 - December 29, 2020