Dorothy Besch

Dec 16, 1937 -

Dec 28, 2025

Dorothy Ruth Abraham Besch passed away on Dec. 28, 2025, in St. Augustine, Fla. She lived an exciting life, enjoying 88 years full of wonderful adventures in living and learning. Her greatest adventure began when she left Texas and arrived in Alaska to teach school on Jan. 20, 1967.

Although her adventures took her to many other states and countries, Mom's heart was fullest when she returned home. This land, the people and her identity as an Alaskan brought her immense joy. She was a brilliant, kind and unique person, but mostly our incredibly loving mom and grandparent.

She felt a deep connection to the words of Bella Hammond in Utuqtwa (1978-79): "... Most of all, I love the peace and tranquility, the open spaces, the freedom to roam about. The sounds of nature, rather than city sounds. The excitement and anticipation of the seasons, not just spring, summer and fall, but the fishing season, and the neat things that go along with it such as the quiet time on the beach, watching the tide come in or go out. I love the tundra, the smell and beautiful variety of plant life, the berry picking, watching the color changes in the fall. All of these things are part of my very being! Just thinking about it all makes me very homesick!"

Thank you to everyone who knew Mom; you made her life remarkably full and rich. Live, love and laugh ... always. - Mike, Jeri, Bob and family.