Dottie Farewell

In 2002, Dottie began working with the newly formed junior high youth ministry group. At the time, she was also teaching junior high science and enjoyed working specifically with this age group. She recognized the need for caring, patient, and supportive adults to mentor the youth and used her teaching expertise to build the program up. She recruited other young adults and parents to help weekly at youth group meetings and outings. At the end of that first year, the students came up with the name, Pathfinders, and expanded the age group to include 6th graders as well as 7th & 8th graders.

Over the years, her role expanded to include Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist and Altar Server coordinator. Just over 5 years ago, she was asked to become the Director of Religious Education which includes Children's Faith Formation for ages 1-18 years old, the middle and high school youth ministry programs, and Sacramental Preparation for infant Baptisms and Confirmation as well as First Eucharist. She enjoys the many experiences and blessings working at St. Joseph's.

Brief Background

Dottie's dad was in the military which brought her parents and three older siblings to Fort Lewis where she was born. She grew up in the South Sound area and attended Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma. Dottie went on to Gonzaga University where she started on the women's varsity soccer team and received a B.S. in Biology. After 5 years working on the laboratory bench, she went back to school to become an elementary and secondary school science teacher. Dottie comes from a long line of teachers, beginning with her maternal grandparents who were the first teachers at a newly created Catholic School in Columbus, Georgia back in the 1950's. She also had two great uncles who were priests, which incluenced her decision to work in ministry.

St. Joseph's has been home to her and her husband for the past 14 years. She has three children who attend our parish school. Soccer continues to be a passion of her's and also a family activity. She also loves to camp, hike, and road trips.