Dorothy Franz Hawley

January 9, 1930 - April 16, 2022

Dorothy Franz Hawley passed away on April 16, 2022 at her home in Kensington, California. She was 92.

Dorothy was born on January 9, 1930 in Yakima, Washington to Jack and Sylvia Franz. A gifted artist and craftsperson at a young age, Dorothy attended Washington State College before moving to California and marrying antiquarian bookseller Robert Hawley in 1959. Dorothy learned the craft of bookbinding, restoring rare books for Robert’s customers and providing other support. With Dorothy’s help, Robert co-founded a publishing company, Oyez Press, and opened a bookstore, the Ross Valley Book Company. Dorothy and Robert were together for nearly 60 years until Robert’s passing in 2017.

While raising a family with Robert, Dorothy remained an avid learner, returning to school at age 58, earning an associate of arts degree in nursery school education with honors, and taking English courses to hone her writing skills. Over time, Dorothy worked as a bookbinder, nursery school teacher, healthcare consultant, and salesperson. She was energetic and intellectually curious, and in her later years, she enjoyed volunteering at senior centers and elementary schools, reading mystery novels and historical fiction, and writing short stories, memoirs, and essays. Some of her pieces were published in local anthologies of writings by seniors, and she found an outlet for her artistic talents by creating festive displays for holiday gatherings and special events. Dorothy also had a deep appreciation for wildlife and the environment, contributing to various nonprofits and offering sanctuary (and snacks) to neighborhood critters.

Among other things, Dorothy will be remembered for her generosity, her outgoing nature, her youthful exuberance and love of children, and her world-class chocolate cheesecake.

She is survived by two children, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.