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.