Dorothy A.E. Perkins

Born in 1916, on a ranch, in a log cabin, in the Colorado mountains, Dorothy A. E. Sorenson was a girl in a time when horse and wagon were the most common form of transportation. Longmont wasn't the big city it is today. It was small enough that her future husband, Elmer E. Perkins, remembered her from about age seven and kept tabs on her until they were married in 1942. They were devoted to each other until he died in 1994. He loved her for her beautiful red hair and her prankster's approach to dealing with others. You could never talk about Dorothy without also talking about Elmer. They were married for 52 years and had homes in New York, Wyoming, California, Hawaii, and Arizona, but Colorado was always the place they called HOME. Wherever they lived, the gregarious Dorothy found time to give to the community, whether it was in Campfire Girls, Scouting, the church, the library, or any of a number of important events.

She shaped the lives of her children in every way. In fact, Dorothy's most important accomplishment was communicating her deep and sincere belief in God to her children. She was never perfect, so she demonstrated growth as the real test of faith. As her hair changed from a beautiful red to a beautiful white, her faith grew in strength. She loved to give honor to God as he answered her prayers, and in those later years it became her favorite demonstration of her faith.

Dorothy's health failed very slowly in her 40-year battle with cancer, but her faith in God never wavered. As she allowed the cancer to win, she did it with grace and dignity, and was an inspiration to all who knew her. She went home to be with her Lord and her husband on September 15, 2005, and is survived by her two children (Sharon and Gary) 5 grandchildren (Phyllis, Clint, Heather, Dawn, and Charles), and 5 great-grandchildren (Clementine, Ryan, Katie, Brian, and Juliana). We celebrate her life! Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2255 S. Oneida St., Denver, CO 80224

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)