Dorothy Lemon

Dorothy Walker Lemon passed away on Jan. 26, 2013 at Oakwood Village West from the affects of osteoporosis and polio. Dorothy was born in Medina, NY. She was the only child of LaVerne and Margaret (Gorman) Walker. She was close to her cousins, Helen, Ruth and Jane and regarded them as sisters.

She graduated from Medina High School in 1940 with many academic honors and involvement in dramatics and public speaking. She attended Syracuse University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor of science degree in education. She was a member of 2 honorary sororities and received the 'Orchid" award for outstanding scholarship achievement. During this time she worked in a Sears Roebuck and the Syracuse University library as well as volunteering in community services. Upon graduation in 1940, Dorothy began teaching in Suffern New York in Home Economics and working as a guidance counselor, in addition to teaching and advising adult classes in clothing, nutrition and drama. Following 5 years of teaching, she attended graduate school at Syracuse University, attaining a masters degree in Vocational Guidance and Counseling. Upon graduation she taught Home Economics at Monticello High School in Monticello New York.

While in graduate school in Syracuse, she met her husband Wallace while he was attending the Maxwell Graduate School in public administration. They moved to Madison upon their marriage and have resided here since then. Dorothy became an ardent Madisonian. They lived downtown and on the east side for several years and then moved into their first home in the Crestwood neighborhood. Their children, Peggy, Diane and Mark were initially raised there. The family has many close friends from this time. During the polio epidemic, while pregnant with Mark, Dorothy contracted Polio and spent several months in the hospital. She underwent extensive physical therapy with the assistance of the March of Dimes. She showed her strong will and spirit in exceeding the doctors expectations for recovery several times over, and regained her ability to walk.

In 1959 the family moved about a quarter of a mile, to the Faircrest Neighborhood where Dorothy and Wallace resided for 44 years. During this time she was involved in a wide range of volunteer activities including: The Committee for Better Broadcasting, Girl Scouts, 4H, League of Womens Voters, Junior Great Books Foundation, University League, Civic Theater Repertoire League Board, University Alumni Association, Zeta Phi Eta speech fraternity, World Affairs Study Group, and PTA. Dorothy looked upon her volunteer work as an extension of her education and counseling background. Through this she became well informed of community affairs and an activist in pursuing educational changes. She was employed by the Wisconsin Humanities Commission and co-authored a play on the history of the Old Red Gym, for the Madison Centenial Commission.

Dottie's passion was antiques, particularly the Art Deco period. She was an avid buyer and seller with a good eye for the exceptional find. Her car made many a stop at garage sales throughout Madison and the nearby countryside. She has 2 children that still cringe at the thought of 1 more garage sale, and 1 child who remains addicted. She had many friends in the antiques field and enjoyed trading and lively conversation about new finds and deals.

Dorothy loved her home on Anchorage Avenue. She enjoyed playing hostess there and was noted for her boeuf bourguignon and lemon chiffon cake. She developed a very barren lot into a beautiful blooming oasis that the birds flocked to. Her particular joy were the hummingbirds and turkeys. The Crestwood Woods and its wild life were a source of daily interest. She was a inveterate correspondent and had friends she enjoyed writing to throughout the country. Her mailed messages to her children, usually including a newspaper clipping with information or advice, will be missed. She was an original member of a group referred to in the family as "The Anchorage Avenue Group"; the women of the Faircrest neighborhood who meet frequently for socialization purposes. Many long and dear friendships spanning the decades originated with this group.

Dorothy and Wallace shared a wonderful life together and traveled to many exciting locations including Europe, Florida, Mexico, and in the winter to their home in Arizona. Particularly memorable were the trips to visit their daughter Peggy in Alaska. The RV trips were great adventures, some intended, some not!

Dorothy was blessed with 3 great children, and 1 great son in law. Their lives and well being were of great interest and concern to her. She and Wallace have appreciated their support and caring, and as Dottie said, "Who could ask for more?" Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved sister-in-law Audrey Lemon. Dorothy is survived by her husband Wallace Lee, and her children Margaret "Peggy" Lemon, Diane Kiabe, Mark Lemon, her son-in-law Hamid Kiabe, and her brother-in-law Robert Lemon.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013 at RESURRECTION CHAPEL OAKWOOD VILLAGE WEST, 6225 Mineral Point Rd., Madison, WI 53705, with visitation from 11:00 am until the time of service.

The family wishes to thank the 3rd floor CNA's and nursing staff, as well as the rehab department of Hebron at Oakwood Village for their kindness and care shown to Dorothy.