Our dear mother, Dorothy Jeanne (Capeloto) Burgess was a devoted wife and a generous, and confident mom who also was a positive cheerleader, role model, and friend to her husband, children, grandchildren and extended family and friends. Her grandchildren adored her.

Dottie (as she was called) passed away at 100 years old at Broadview Nursing home on May 21, 2025.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Lemm and father, Joseph Capeloto and husband, Raymond Burgess and brothers, Ben, Bob, and Victor Capeloto, and sister Jeanne McClure.  She is survived by her two half-brothers: Sheldon and Allen Capeloto from her father’s second marriage and her children; Jeffrey (Mary) and Robert (Linda) Burgess, and Rayanne Burgess-Brown (Tom), and grandchildren, David, Michael, Brianna, Kaleena, Cody, Albert, and Marguerite and nine great grandchildren.  She was born and lived her entire life in Seattle, Washington. 

Mom spent her formative years living with her family in West Seattle.  And as a teen she spent all her summers at Alki beach with her sister.  Having a strong belief in Education, she graduated from West Seattle High School and the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in the 40s.  She was the first in her family to do so.  She passed her quest for knowledge to her children and grandchildren.

Our mother was a shining example of how a life should be well lived.  As a converted Christian, growing up with Jewish traditions, she lived with grace, and dignity, even through the later years of aging with associated health problems. Her passing was peaceful.

During her long life she was comforting and nurturing with her immediate family, extended family, and friends.  She encouraged everyone to be their best selves.  She was tolerant and non-judgmental and embraced all people for who they were and didn’t judge people by religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or the color of their skin.  She regarded “caring and loving” as actions requiring steadfastness, accountability, honesty and heart.  She intensely loved and supported our father who died in1999.  This loyalty also extended to family, extended family, and friends.

Mom was passionate about life and knew how to have fun.  She was well traveled and loved cooking (her fried Hood Canal oysters are renowned), dancing, parties, and music.  She created “community” with neighbors, friends, her children and the generations that followed.  Her love, guidance, and devotion shaped all our lives.  She will be terribly missed.

A memorial service will be held on August 2, 2025, at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary of the Fauntleroy Church in West Seattle.  A reception will follow.  Dorothy has asked that instead of flowers, donations can be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, PO Box 61420, Staten Island, NY  10306.