It is with sadness that the family of Dorothy Coleman, announce her passing, comforted by family at the time of her death. She is now reunited with her son, Kevin (Jacque); grandson, Keith, Jr; and brother, Frank. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Larry; sons, Keith and Shawn (Alison); sister, Jeanette (Chris); grand- children, Austin (Yvonne), Meghan, Jameson, Nolan, and Brittney (Donnie); great grandchildren, Brayden, Zachary, Christa and Liam. Dorothy (RN, BSN, MS) played an integral role in the cancer landscape of Hawaii. In 1981, Dorothy began her professional career with UH Cancer Research Center as a Nurse Coordinator and was later appointed as the Clinical Trials Office Manager. During her career she achieved many accomplishments and she belonged to many organizations. She was a member of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and founded the local chapter (HSCO), where she was president and served as membership chairman on the Board of Directors, and also received the 1st Lifetime Achievement Award. She represented Hawaii's clinical partners and UH on a national level through her attendance at conferences country-wide. Her tireless efforts gained her the respect and trust of many physicians and clinic staff and this led to the opportunity to enroll cancer patients in clinical trials in the absence of a cancer comprehensive center. She was passionate about her profession and worked up until she died.Dorothy was adventurous and enjoyed travels with Larry, which took them all over the country (especially Iowa) as well as to Ireland, Scotland and London. They cruised to Alaska and throughout the Caribbean. Most of all, Dorothy loved spending time in Las Vegas, often with family and friends.
Dorothy loved her family, friends, coworkers, and animals, which included her sweetheart and four legged daughter, Ikaika (deceased). She loved to bake and share her treats, particularly her famous apple pie. Many were fortuned by her gifts of Aloha and gratitude. She was a Wheel of Fortune fanatic, highlighted by her being on stage with her son Shawn, as he won the bonus round during the Hawaii taping (2014).
Dorothy was always cheerful, considerate, compassionate and generous. She was able to relate to all generations, especially through her advocacy of cancer research. She was loved by many. She will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
Arrangements are provided by: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary. Service will be conducted on Tuesday, June 16, 2020: Visitation, 12:30 – 1:30 pm and Graveside service, 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, online memorial gifts can be made in Dorothy's name to: www.uhfoundation.org/ClinicalTrials
