Dorothy J. Stevenson

Dorothy J. Stevenson, 94, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully following a brief illness on January 3, 2023, in Middletown, CT.

Born on August 12, 1928, in Cedar Bluff, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late William and Mary (Benesh) Mason.  She graduated from Tipton High School, Tipton, Iowa. She was raised on a farm which had been in the Mason family for over 100 years.  Though she moved ‘off the farm’ following graduation, the farm remained in her heart.

August 20, 1948, she married Richard Stevenson and settled down in Moline, IL to raise her family of three children, Dean, Diane and Donita.  Dorothy was actively engaged with her children, volunteering as a den mother for cub scouts and a leader for brownies and girl scouts’ troops for many years.  When she returned to work outside the home, she was employed at Elliott Camera Shop as a salesclerk for many decades, until her retirement.

Dorothy combined her love for nature and travel with her love for photography.  She was known for her photography skills, earning many awards in local and national photo competitions.  She was an active member of several Camera Clubs, holding various offices.  She explored nearly every state, missing only 5 or 6.  Her international travels allowed her to explore and photograph Canada, Bahamas, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Austria, Israel, Africa on a photographic safari, and Costa Rica on a photographic tour focusing on hummingbirds and other wildlife.  She was a long-time member of First Covenant Church, Moline, IL, was active with women’s ministries and used her photography skills to help document ministries and activities of the church.

She is survived by her son, Dean (Joanne) of Moline, IL; a daughter, Diane of Middletown, CT; nine grandchildren, Shad Hickman, Landon Hickman (Jamie), Dylan Hickman (Emily), Lori Holmes, Christine Fishel (Michael), Denise Key (Jeff,) and Doug Holmes (Carrie), Scott Stevenson (Brenda), and Debbie Edwards (Ken); 19 great-grandchildren, the most recent being Mina Hickman, Aiden & Ava Hickman.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, husband, a daughter, Donita Joanne Hickman, a grandson, Heath Hickman and her sister, Darlene Blomme.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 11AM at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill St., Berlin. Burial and a service will also be held at First Covenant Church, Moline, IL later this spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy’s name may be made to Bethany Covenant Church or Defenders of Wildlife Foundation.

Arrangements are being handled by Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home.