Dorothy Louise Elliott Denault's Obituary
Dorothy Louise Elliott Denault, age 97, born February 11, 1918, passed away on November 11, 2015 in Rehoboth Beach, DE of natural causes. Born and raised in Cambridge, MA, she graduated from Somerville High School. She was introduced to the love of her life, Milton F. Denault, by her best friend who later became her sister-in-law. They married in Cambridge in 1941 and began a lifelong adventure together. Milton’s job as a topographical engineer with the U.S. Geological Survey took them to live in Brazil and many states on the Eastern Seaboard of the USA. Lifelong dancing partners and world travelers they enjoyed time spent with family and friends.
Dorothy and Milton settled in Silver Spring, MD, where they raised their four children. They were founding members of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Silver Spring, MD. Dorothy was an active member of the parish for decades, singing in the choir, an officer in the Sodality group, and creating flower arrangements for the church. Dorothy was also a member of Argyle Country Club in Silver Spring, MD.
Dorothy was a big personality, with a true zest for life. She had a great sense of humor and an easy laugh. She loved to throw and attend parties of all kinds, especially ones that involved her family. A believer in traditions she opened her heart and home to make others feel loved and welcomed.
Dorothy especially cherished her relationships with her children and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She relished in the stories of their adventures and achievements; took part in the milestone events in their lives; savored their photos, letters and phone calls and anticipated their visits, hugs and kisses.
She and Milton shared a love of reading and till the end of her life she still read a book a week and the Washington Post daily keeping up with the current events of the world and of her adopted home town of Washington, D.C. Always one to appreciate the cultural treasure that D.C. offers she encouraged her children and others to take advantage of its museums and natural beauty. She was an avid Redskins fan and kept up with the players and scores, energetically cheering them on.
As a vacation destination and later permanent home Bethany Beach, DE held a special place in their hearts and minds for Dorothy and Milton. From their first visit as newlyweds to the end of their lives they enjoyed sharing their love of the beach with family and friends both old and new.
Dorothy was predeceased by her loving husband of sixty years, Milton Denault (2002), her mother, Fannie Dow, a stepfather, Amos Dow of Cambridge, MA and two brothers: James Elliott of Toledo OH and John Elliott of Marblehead, MA. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: a loving son and exceptional caregiver, Paul and Faith Denault of Bethany Beach, DE; a devoted daughter, Susan and Terry Thompson of Virginia Beach, VA; a loving son, David Denault of Napa Valley, CA and a loving son, Thomas and Carol Denault of Trussville, AL; seven grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.
Services to be arranged at a later date.
Memorial contributions in Dorothy’s memory may be made to the South Coastal Library, 43 Kent Avenue, Bethany Beach, DE 19930 and House of Ruth, 5 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, D.C. 20005.
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