I did not grow up knowing aunt Dorothy, but, when she built a house for her mother, my grandmother, she won a special place in my heart. I was told that Dorothy even had the kitchen counters and cabinets special made for my grandmother's height. She took care of my grandmother til the day she died with out being asked or paid. I also think about my aunt Dorothy at least two to three times a week. She taught my mother a trick on how to dispose of cardboard items, cereal boxs, soda cartons, etc. She would run warm water on them till they softened and then fold them into neat small pieces to take up less room in the trash. My mother passed on this little trick and anytime I dispose of any thing that will apply...I think of Dorothy. I also, remember Dorothy as very glamorous. Bright colorful earrings, hair done and make-up. - - Cynthia

Dorothy was a wonderful friend and neighbor...I saw her as a loving, strong willed, woman who held out to the very end to keep her independence...I really admired her.  I have two very strong visions of Dorothy that I will always cherish.....The first one is when it snowed up here I would see her out my window with her car parked up at the road and she would bring a small sled out to bring in her groceries.
The other is that she was such a cute little dancer.....at gatherings she would dance with anyone, any age, and she just looked so happy!  --- Judy

Aunt Dorothy use to take me with her to the drive-in movie in Alameda. I was about six or seven.  I sat next to her in the car and passed her Kleenex because she would cry at what – I didn’t understand – until now. She was affected by those old sentimental love stories. Her last words to me were, “I have always been so glad that you love me and I love you.”-- Linda

My own personal memories of my Aunt Dorothy are so fragmented and mixed with the memories of my mother, my grandmother and my other Aunts. I remember that no matter where she lived, her home was always filled with dolls and painted plates. And that the home in Pioneer, California always felt like a home away from home. I always, always, always was made to feel welcome by her no matter the circumstances or timing of a visit. -- Karl

When I was around 8 or 9, my parents took us to visit Aunt Dorothy. I enjoyed being with Aunt Dorothy. She always made me feel good and loved. We went to the state fair and had a wonderful time. Then we went to a drive-in movie. It was, " Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf." I know that she thought it was not appropriate for my little eyes and ears, because all through the movie she covered my ears and eyes to make sure I didn't hear or see anything I shouldn't. Aunt Dorothy was such a sweet woman I sure will miss her. The other day I got up thinking I need to call my Aunt Dorothy then remembered that she had passed.  –Nora

My sister Dorothy went the Sweets Dance Hall in Oakland when we were young adults. One day she said a fellow had asked her out on a date but she thought he was too young for her so she asked me to go out with him. That man became my husband and we were married 59 years. I often thanked Dorothy for finding my husband Ben. ---Nancy

I miss her now, and she is ok in- GOD,s spot for DOT.   She was good friend to all. –Mason

When Dorothy was a toddler in West Virginia the family house burned. No one was hurt but my grandmother remembers looking up and seeing little Dorothy, who she feared was still in the house,  walking toward her smiling while the roaring flames framed her tiny body from behind  - Linda

Aunt Dorothy was a quiet person always encouraging others to talk instead of her. She was always fun to be with. We all enjoyed her company and how she loved to have people visit her little mountain home. Our family reunions were filled with treasured memories of her laughter and her sense of humor. One day she invited me to a garage sale and we had all kinds of fun. My favorite memory was going up from Pioneer to the snow. The trees were white and everything looked like a Christmas card – only real. But now that she is gone I can only remember how she would always invite us back to the mountains. So I cry a silent tear for a beautiful person who loved with courage. –Rose Anne

It is odd but my most vivid memories of Aunt Dorothy are from 40 years ago. When I was in my mid teens Aunt Dorothy was married to her fourth husband, Richard.  I loved them both a lot.  I remember being up in Pioneer and staying up into the wee hours of the morning, talking and listening to cowboy records. I felt like such an adult. They had pulled me into their world and I belonged there.  Later, when Richard died, I went to the memorial and the gathering afterwards. I was sad and numb. The gathering was at a house in Contra Costa County.  I remember all these people sitting on the living room floor around Aunt Dorothy sharing stories, crying a bit and
laughing a lot. It was my first experience of loss. She taught me a lesson in how to deal with grief. -Sonny

October 29 –“I had a beautiful dream of my sister Hazel. She looked so pretty that she just glowed. She said she never felt so much love and felt I it too. It was so good.”  Dorothy Coker