Dorothy Elaine Harmon, best of the best

A much loved sister and close friend to many others, Dorothy Elaine Harmon, 73, passed away Friday, Jan. 12, 2014, in San Diego, Calif.

"Dottie" was born Feb. 28, 1940, in Wilmington; she graduated from Howard High School in Wilmington, joined the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1960.

She decided sometime around 1960 to move to and live and work in San Diego, Calf. She was employed at the Children's Hospital and Health Center for over 42 years. Over those years she achieved various excellence in performance awards and was greatly appreciated and loved by all that worked with her.

She was considered the "Best of the Best" as an operating room technician, experienced in pediatric surgery, including; thoracic, some cardiovascular, peripheral vascular and ophthalmology as well as experience in general, g.u. orthopedic, neuroplastic and maxilla-facial reconstructive surgery. As a member of the Children's Operating Room Team, she was in charge of suture inventory and served on many staffing committees.

Dottie was nationally certified as a surgical technologist by the Liaison Council on Certification. She achieved educational degrees; associate's degree from San Diego City College and a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University both in the field of art.

She was a gifted/creative and accomplished sketch artist(charcoal/paint) which she did in her spare time- - her second love. In the past, she often participated in local art shows to present and sell her work.

Family and friends describe Dottie as loving, loyal and sensitive, especially to children and to co-workers. She often covered weekends, holidays and vacation schedules to allow co-workers to be with their families since she lived alone. She would always go out of her way to help friends and others any way she could.

Dottie is survived by her brother, Charles A. Harrison III (Chick) and wife Cathy; niece Dawn Stanchina, all residing in Pennsylvania; a host of cousins and family; her loving pet Little Cat; her closest friend for many years Josie Christian; caregiver and close friend Amy Cloyd; and family, who provided much needed care and companionship during critical recent months. Dottie will be missed by all for her overall love, kindness, loving personality and her appreciation for others. We are all better for have known her.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call after 10 a.m.. Burial will follow in Harmony Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Rady Children’s Hospital, 3020 Children’s Way, San Diego, CA 92123.