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1929 Dorothy 2014

Dorothy Elizabeth Istvan

March 8, 1929 — November 5, 2014

Col. Dorothy Elizabeth Istvan, 85, peacefully passed away Nov. 5, 2014 at her El Paso, Texas Home. Born in Wilkes-Barre on March 8, 1929, Col. Istvan was the daughter of the late Joseph M. Istvan and Mary V. Istvan. She was a graduate of St. Ann’s Academy and Wilkes-Barre general Hospital School of Nursing. She spent the early years of her nursing career as a practitioner and educator at the former Wyoming Valley Hospitial. Col. Istvan spent majority of her life service to her country as the Army nurse and administrator. She served in Vietnam, Germany, Hawaii, and El Paso, Texas at the William Beaumont Medical Center, where she provided her expertise, in the remodeling of the facility. She served at the WBMC for nearly 20 years, before her retirement in El Paso She was the recipient of the National Defense Service medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Bronze Star Medal and many other meritorious medals, commendations and citations. She loved to entertain in her home, trying new recipes, and using her vast assortment of kitchen gadgets. She was an accomplished storyteller and the history buff, and used her extensive knowledge, keen observation, and wonderful, often sarcastic, sense of humor in sharing her stories. She was a loyal, true, and generous friend to many throughout her lifetime. Preceding her in death were sisters Margaret Brown, Helen Carvin, Anne Istvan; Brothers Cyril Istvan and Edward Istvan; longtime companion and friend, Ira Gunn, and her beloved “Schnoodles”, Roxie and Suzie. Surviving are brother Dr. Lawrence T. Istvan, Wilkes-Barre; Several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. The family would like to express their appreciation to the many helpful companions and health care providers, especially from caring companions and Hospice El Paso, who gave Col. Istvan excellent care during the last months of her life. Interment, with full military honors will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday December 9, 2014 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request that the memorial donations be made to the charity of one’s choice.
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