Dorothy Mae “Dutch” Carlisle

Our cherished mother, Dorothy Mae Carlisle, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2015, at 90 years of age, surrounded by family and loved ones.  Dorothy “Dutch” was a loving sister, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Charles “Chuck” Carlisle; her brother, Robert Gillett, of San Diego, California; and her parents, Robert and Margaret Gillett.

Dutch was born in Washington, D.C., on February 9, 1925, to Captain Robert Gillett and Margaret Hodges Gillett and, as a child of a naval officer, moved frequently throughout the US during her childhood.  Early years were spent in China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Hawaii, with family finally settling in California. As a child, she loved music and dancing and was active in both pursuits throughout her life.   She also was a devoted church member and developed a deep and abiding faith that guided her in later years.  Although Dutch attended schools mostly in California, she graduated from high school in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 

She met Chuck Carlisle, the love of her life, while he was attending the Naval Academy.  They married in 1946 in a traditional naval ceremony in Jacksonville, Florida.  Dutch prided herself in the role of a naval officer’s wife and was especially active in volunteer efforts for needy families.  In Hawaii she devoted many hours of volunteer aid to the local military hospital and was recognized for her outreach to women patients.  She also spent several years serving as president of the Naval Officer’s Wives Club, both in Hawaii and Connecticut. 

While Chuck was stationed in Washington, DC, Dutch obtained her realtor’s license and pursued this career as her children were growing and moving away from home.  She became especially successful in realty work after she obtained her broker’s license and headed her own agency.

After Chuck’s retirement from the Navy, the family moved to Washington State where Chuck began working for Westinghouse.  Dutch found her “niche” in listing and selling homes and stayed with this work for several years.   She was also very active with All Saints Episcopal Church and spent many hours volunteering there.  After roles in the Vestry, Altar Guild, Lay Ministry, and Choir, she joined a support

program for the Sisters of the Community of the Holy Spirit in New York City.  She served as CHS convener for the northwest and organized many CHS retreats.  In 1999, Dutch was ordained as a Deacon at All Saints Episcopal Church, as the oldest woman to have been ordained.  She ministered tirelessly in this role until recently, when she reluctantly retired from service for health reasons.

 Dutch was always a caring and energetic spirit in this world.  She loved to be around her family and friends, and always loved celebrating the joys of a large family. She once remarked that she did not want others to be sad and mournful at her funeral, rather she would hope that all would attend a big wake full of joy and happy remembrances of her life.  Mom, we miss you.

 A Viewing will be conducted on Friday, April 17, 2015 from 4-6 p.m. at Einan’s Funeral Home and the Memorial Service will be on Saturday, April 18, 2015, at 2 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church in Richland, WA.