Dorothy Jean Estergreen, age 91, a longtime resident of Montesano, passed away on Dec. 20, 2022, in Lacey, Washington. She was born on Aug. 13, 1931, in Montesano to Victor and Mary (Zaugg) Zelesky. Dorothy was raised in Montesano and graduated from Montesano High School.

Dorothy began her federal career in October of 1953, working part-time for the Soil Conservation Service before transferring to the Farmer’s Home Administration (FMHA) as a clerk in the Montesano County Office. In 1976, she became the second woman in the state to be promoted to Assistant County Supervisor, a position she held until retirement. During her career in Montesano, she had worked for 13 supervisors and worked with six other Assistant County Supervisors.

She had wide-ranging interests and activities. She was a past member of the Olympians, Business and Professional Women’s Club and Beta Sigma Phi.

In 1974, she was bitten by the “travel bug” when she attended an International Convention of the BPW in Buenos Aires, Argentina. On this three-week trip, she also toured the Incan ruins in Peru and plane-hopped through Columbia, Paraguay, Brazil and Venezuela. This was the start-over time — she had traveled to and through 23 different countries.

In 1982 and 1984, she organized and helped lead a group of friends, “The Happy Wanderers,” on one month walking and hiking tours of Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.

Dorothy was also interested in genealogy which she described as “Lots of fun ad very frustrating” and was able to trace her Swiss ancestry back to the 1700s. Basketry and art were other interests. She wove baskets and enjoyed collecting Indian baskets of all kinds. Her art was in colored pencils and charcoal which she truly enjoyed. She also liked photography and specialized in scenic and nature shots.

She is survived by her grandson, Elisha (Phensiri) and great-granddaughter, Siri, (her delight in life and the apple-of-her eye), all of Montesano. She also has a daughter Tarah Levy and her husband Jacob; grandson Aron Ritchie; granddaughter Dorotea Louisiana Levy and great-grandson, Roland Alexander Levy-Blaine, all of the the Seattle area.

At her request, there will be a private urn committal service at the Wynoochee Cemetery in Montesano, Washington.

Cremation arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments of reflection to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at: www.colemanmortuary.net.