Dorothy Ann Woodin

Dorothy Ann Woodin, of Topeka, celebrated 89 gracious years of life. She was born on January 27, 1923 in Grand Island, NE. When Dorothy was born, her parents, Dr. John G. Woodin and Bessie Livers Woodin had recently returned from a medical missionary placement in Burma. She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-mother Agnes Woodin, her sister Joan Woodin and her brother, The Rev. John D. Woodin.

She is survived by her sister-in-law Marilyn Woodin of Kalona, IA, and her nephews John F. (Nancy) Woodin of Dubuque, IA and James R. (Heather) Woodin of Iowa City, IA. She is also survived by three great nephews, Rob (Jenni McCarthy) Woodin of Boston, Mike (Lydia) Woodin of Cincinnati and Corey Woodin of Iowa City and a great niece, Amanda Woodin also of Iowa City. She passed away at her home at Aldersgate Village in Topeka on March 29, 2012. Dorothy's family is indebted to the Comfort Keepers of Topeka whose loving care added to Dorothy's quality of life in her last few years.

Dorothy graduated from Grand Island High School and received her RN degree in Omaha, NE. She spent her career working as a public health nurse in Kansas. She became Director of Kansas Public Health Nurses, after being appointed to that position by the governor. In recognition of her work to advance public health issues, the "Dorothy Woodin Award" is given annually in her honor to an exemplary Kansas public health nurse. Dorothy was a renaissance woman who loved classical music, opera, musical theater, plays and art. She was a painter and her creations are proudly displayed in the homes of her loving family. Dorothy was a world traveler who experienced leading art museums in many cities. She enjoyed creative puns and loved to share them with a special wink.

A Service to Celebrate the Life of Dorothy Woodin will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Topeka's West Side Baptist Church. The service will be led by Pastor Kip Mickelson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the West Side Baptist Church, 1008 SW Fourth St., Topeka, KS 66606. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family.