Dorothy Vono

Vono (Newman)
Dorothy Lucile
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, died peacefully on Monday, July 28, 2014 in Bayport, Minnesota, at Croixdale where she has lived with loving care the past 6 years. Dorothy was born on October 5, 1923 to Axel and Lucile Newman at Mounds Park Hospital. She was raised in the St. Paul area, graduating from Murray High School. She married Ben Vono on December 6, 1947, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and together they raised 4 children - Lucy, Mary, Christine and Frank. After moving to Bald Eagle Lake in 1960 the family enjoyed over 20 years of living near the water and the woods. Sailing, swimming, winter skating, and exploring were all part of their rich, nurturing life. Dorothy and her family were charter members of Christ the King Lutheran Church, in White Bear Lake where she was the Sunday School Superintendent and member of the Altar Guild for many years. Her commitment to community organizations included ; The League of Women Voters, Bald Eagle Women's Club, The Knitters , Children's Hospital Society, Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley, Bald Eagle Yacht Club and Lake City Yacht Club. Her favorite was to volunteer with bird identification and banding at the Lee and Rose Warner Nature Center. When her muddied work boots greeted us at the door after a day at the Center, the family was not surprised to be served a less than typical 3 course dinner. Dorothy was an excellent seamstress, making most of the girl's clothing when they were young, and lovingly creating bridal gowns for Mary and Christine. Her cooking and baking were beyond comparison and she, with Ben, were famous among family and friends for their spaghetti dinners. Dorothy and Ben shared a love of music! Spanning many years, they enjoyed the Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Minnesota Opera. Dorothy is survived by daughters, Lucy (Ted) Merrell of Juneau, Alaska; Mary (Dan) Torgersen of Clearwater, Minnesota; and Christine (John) Kipp of Stillwater, Minnesota. Grandchildren, Victoria (Marc) Hoffmann, Nelson (Lena) Merrell, Kurt (Carrie) Torgersen, Neil (Kelly) Torgersen, Ben Kipp, Adam (Debbie) Kipp, Orin (Rissy ) Kipp, Dante (Beth) Vono , Micah Vono; nieces, nephews, and very dear friends; 11 great-grandchildren were blessed to have been lovingly held by her, with another little one on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Richard; cherished son, Frank, and beloved husband Ben. Always welcome in her home, we will all miss her love, support, wisdom, and directness. Service will be held on Friday, August 8, 2014 at 11 AM at CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1660 Birch Lake Ave, White Bear Lake. Visitation, Thursday from 4-7 PM at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd (NW corner of Hwy 36 & Co Rd 5), Stillwater and one hour prior to the service at church. Interment Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Mahtomedi. Flowers are lovely, but as Dorothy was a child of the Great Depression, she would appreciate a heartfelt donation to others in need.