Doris Hazel (Forslund) Svoboda, 85, a former resident of the Island, died on Sept. 27, 2009, in Iowa City, Iowa, after a brief illness. She was born on Jan. 14, 1914, in Shelby, Mont., and raised in Puyallup.

In 1939 she married Frank Svoboda, also of Puyallup. The family relocated to Vashon Island in 1957, and built a home in Vashon Heights. They were charter members of the Vashon Island Golf & Country Club, and enjoyed the many new friendships they made. Svoboda worked as secretary to the superintendent of schools — her tenure included three superintendents. In semi-retirement, she worked in the local fabric store. An accomplished seamstress, she enjoyed teaching sewing classes and introducing others to the joys of sewing.

In 1979, fully retired, she and her husband moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., where they lived for the next 24 years. They traveled extensively, both in the United States and abroad, and shared a passion for golf. They treasured their years on the Island, and their Island friends, and often returned during the summer months to visit.

Svoboda’s husband died in 2002, and the following year she moved to Iowa City to be near family. She was a true lover of life, and a positive and gracious presence to all who knew her, family members said. She welcomed new experiences and enjoyed learning new things — lessons she passed on to her children and grandchildren, along with her wonderful sense of humor, they said.

Svoboda is survived by her children Carl (Christine) Svoboda of Calgary, Alberta, and Gale Kolbet of Iowa City; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frank, her five brothers and her son-in-law, Richard Kolbet.