Dorothy Elizabeth Villars Ishaq
May 26, 1930 – December 5, 2025
Dorothy Elizabeth Villars Ishaq
Dorothy Elizabeth (Beth) Villars Ishaq passed away peacefully at her home in Shoreline, Washington at the age of 95.
Dorothy will be remembered as a loving and cherished Mom, Grandma, and friend. She was a passionate poet, a vibrant spirit whose contagious smile brought warmth, whimsy, and laughter to all who knew her. She was a proud and loving daughter who deeply adored her parents, speaking of them often with gratitude and enduring love. Gardens were her sanctuary, literature her playground, and rhyme the language of her soul. She created poetry from ordinary days and grand adventures from the outermost realms of imagination. Dorothy delighted in sharing her rhymes with her family, holding an open invitation to join in joyful, daily recitations of them.
She loved all the arts, teaching her elementary students, cooking, travelling the world, and especially her kitties; her cozy companions, creative muses, and most trusted confidants.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Waris; her oldest son, Rob; and her youngest daughter, Rebecca. She is survived by her children: Steve, Carl, Clarine, and Maggie; her sons in law: Rick, Drew, Nick, and Fred; and her daughter in law, Dawn. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Malia, Natasha, and Nicole; and her great grandchildren: Kemal, Khoraan, Lucia, and Aundrya. She is further survived by her husband’s six children, as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren, along with many beloved cousins around the globe, all of whom she embraced as family.
A celebration of her life will be held privately by family.
Her life was a poem in full bloom, lovingly remembered, endlessly retold.
💛 Donations in Her Honor
Dorothy believed deeply in learning, education, and supporting families in need. Those wishing to honor her may share a memorial gift to the causes she cared about:
- Heifer International — helping communities worldwide through sustainable farming resources, livestock, and family support.
One-time donations can be made at: https://www.heifer.org/give/one-time
- Oberlin College Scholarship Fund — providing scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing higher education. Please select Scholarship Fund when contributing. Donations can be made at: https://advance.oberlin.edu/donate
If available, donors may add “In Memory of Dorothy Elizabeth Villars Ishaq” in the dedication field so the gift is recorded in her honor.
Her family thanks you for every kindness, every prayer, every remembered rhyme, and every loving memory shared.
Your generosity is deeply felt and truly appreciated.
5 Responses to “Dorothy Elizabeth Villars Ishaq”
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Loved the stories and colorful conversations. She will be missed. May your beautiful soul rest in peace.
Beth was a joy to be around. She sparkled with enthusiasm and creativity, and her contagious stories always brought laughter to my heart. The little animals she cared for and created—even out of simple tissue paper—were absolutely adorable. Her imagination soared. She was such a sweet, kind, and loving woman. It was truly a gift to know her and to love her. Thank you Lord for her life here on earth….grateful! ❤️
Beth was more than an amazing mother-in-law; she was one of my closest and dearest friends. She was the kind of person you simply wanted to be around, the first person you’d think to include in any plan. And she was game for anything and everything! From musicals and plays, to baseball and basketball games, going to the casino, horse races, and more! Beth was always ready for an adventure.
She was a world-class traveler and an even better storyteller. I’ll never forget the countless meals we shared, always accompanied by a glass of red wine and our traditional “clink” before the first sip. Those are the memories I’ll hold onto forever. She’ll be missed by everyone who knew her, and honestly, probably by the people who didn’t get the chance to meet her!
Rest in peace, Beth. You truly were the best.
Love you forever, RickyRick
I’m Rick’s sister, Diane. I was fortunate enough to know Beth through Clare and Rick. For many years, Beth and family spent the Christmas and Fourth of July holidays at my home. For those who know her best, you know that she couldn’t pass up writing a poem about her experiences.
The following is a thank you to me for opening my home to her and her family:
WHO?
Who shares her home and her family? Whose home is the Haven for all that arrive? – relatives, friends, newcomers, big dogs. Who orchestrates, gentle hospitality? Who welcomes us all where no one‘s a stranger, each moment, arranged with chocolate and games, conversation, and movies, laughter, and snacks, feasting, and fun, fresh towels down the hall, whose smile, glows, warm hearted and poised. She’s ready – more comfort, more fun, and more chocolate. Perfectly groomed from head to toe..Who? Whom? Whose? Everyone knows.
Sweet Diane,
here’s the plan
we’ll keep coming
as long as we can.
Those were special times, and will never be forgotten❤️
As Rick’s nephew, I can say wholeheartedly our family was honored & privileged to get to know Beth during the many Christmas & July 4th holiday celebrations, when visiting Vancouver alongside Rick, Clare, Gigi & Malia.
Beth was always so warm, pleasant & inviting and is missed by many!