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Dorothy Erickson Tucker

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Dorothy passed away on December 13, 2020 in sun City West at 99 years old. Dorothy was born in Hancock, Michigan and grew up in Duluth, Minnesota the youngest of 5 children. She graduated from Denfeld High School where she met the love of her life, Gordon Erickson. While Gordon was in the service, Dorothy was a “Rosie the Riveter”. Gordon and Dorothy moved to Los Alamos in the 50’s and bought the Western Holiday Motel, in Espanola, New Mexico in 1960 and for the next 34 years Dorothy ran the motel. She was involved in many non-profits in New Mexico and her favorite was the Santa Fe Opera.
After Gordon Died in 1969, she met Hugh Tucker, they were married in 1979 and in 1994 Dorothy and Hugh moved to Sun City West and Dorothy looked for something fun to do. She joined the Clown Club, which was very active, she was “Sweetie Heart” for many years. The Clowns visited assisted living and nursing homes and made people smile. Dorothy joined Briarwood Country Club and was their Social Director for many years. Dorothy loved hats and you always recognized her for her hat collection. Dorothy loved people and didn’t know a stranger. Her smile was contagious, and her laugh was the loudest in the place. Dorothy enjoyed life to the fullest until Parkinson’s took over her body when she was 93. Dorothy will be missed by her family, Daughter Judy (Husband, Doug) Penman, Grandson James Gordon (Wife, Lisa) Lamberto, Great Grandchildren Carli and Dylan, step granddaughters, Mindy and Marci Penman, her nieces and nephews and her many friends from Minnesota, New Mexico and Arizona. Mass services will be held on February 5, 2021, celebration of life pending due to COVID-19.