Dorothy Louise Maxson

Dorothy L. (Castoldi) Maxson, age 74, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, was called home on April 21, 2019, surrounded by her family.

Dorothy was born December 15, 1944 to A. J. and Vivian (Vinti) Castoldi and lived just outside of College Place attending St. Patrick Grade School and DeSales Catholic High School graduating in 1963.  At DeSales, she was a member of the choir and also a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish choir.  For recent class reunions, she was a member of the reunion committees.  She attended Sacred Heart nursing school in Spokane and then was a member of the first graduating class of Walla Walla Community College nursing program as an L.P.N.

She was married to Perry Washabaugh; they later divorced.  She married John Maxson on September 18, 1975 here in Walla Walla and they made their home here.  John and Dorothy met while on a flight from Spokane to Walla Walla.  Through their lives they took many family vacations to Lincoln City, Oregon.

Dorth wore many “work” hats:  she was an L.P.N. for three years at St. Mary Community Hospital; she attended boot camp as a member of the Army Reserves in Anniston, Alabama; she worked as bookkeeper for Bud and Gene’s (Auto); she volunteered at the front desk at St. Mary Hospital; she was librarian for Assumption Grade School; she was chief switchboard operator at the Walla Walla Clinic for 14 years before her retirement.  But, she felt her most important job was that of stay-at-home mom when her kids were growing up attending their school and extracurricular events throughout the years.  And she supported her grandkids in their school and non-school activities as much as possible.

Dorth also wore “fancy” hats: she was a charter member of the Italian Heritage Association where she was a long-time board member and held the office of secretary; she was the parade coordinator for many years and was voted IHA Parade Marshal, too; she put together photo displays during IHA Festa Days of her parents and grandparents and was able to help others do the same; she was an original member of the IHA dance group wearing authentic costume; she coordinated the IHA Bridal Show.   In addition, she enjoyed being in a couple of the outdoor summer musicals at Fort WW Amphitheater.  She was family historian, too, and took that role very seriously.

Her “funnest” hat was that of “Coug Mom” attending many football games at WSU sometimes taking the “Coug” bus.  She and her daughter, Marilyn, attended a WSU football game down in Arizona recently, and they attended games with her son, Robert, and his family, too.

Some time ago, Dorothy and her parents and her younger brother, Paul, traveled to Italy to visit the area that her dad’s family was from.  While there, she was able to experience her three “Italy” wishes: visiting the Sistine Chapel, the statue of David, and took a gondola ride with her brother.  Dorothy loved her family more than anything and sincerely enjoyed spending as much time as possible with them.

She is survived by her husband, John, at their home; daughter, Marilyn Washabaugh of Walla Walla; son, Robert Washabaugh and his wife Karina and grandkids Kasden, Kyli, Lincoln and Lexi Washabaugh all of Selah.  Her brothers and sister and their families also survive her:   Bob and Marlene Castoldi, Patti and Steve Bughi, and Paul and Pamela Castoldi all of Walla Walla. She leaves her Aunt Mary, a large family of nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss her, too.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, and in-laws Alice and Bruce Maxson as well as her many aunts, uncles, cousins.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Walla Walla Catholic Schools or Providence St. Mary Regional Cancer Center through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Monday April 29, 2019 from 1 pm to 7 pm at Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home.  Graveside services will be held on Tuesday April 30, 2019 at 11am at Mountain View Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at St. Francis Parish Hall.