Dorothy, a devoted wife, mother and dedicated teacher passed away March 18, 2013, at the age of 93. She was born in Batavia, NY on January 21, 1920. When Dorothy was 6 weeks old her mother died and Dorothy was adopted by a relative, Neva Harris.
She attended school in Elba and Batavia, NY and graduated from Fredonia State University in New York in 1941, with a teaching degree and a minor in music. She taught 7 years in New York and then decided she wanted to leave the harsh winters. She applied for a teaching position in Santa Barbara in 1948, and she began teaching the third grade at Jefferson School. She later transferred to newly-built Cleveland School when Jefferson was closed. She loved teaching and was always there for her students. Student discipline was a high priority for her, and she was thanked years later by some of those students.
She met George Dubbels in a young adult class at the First Presbyterian Church when it was located downtown on Anapamu Street. They were married, June 25, 1960, and had one son, Lowell, in 1964. Dorothy loved her church and over the years served in many capacities including Elder. She retired from teaching in 1978. She was a life-member of the PTA, NEA and CTA, and was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Dorothy and George enjoyed traveling and the high point of their travels was the Holy Land. They also enjoyed together the beauty and excitement of Hawaii, Australia and England.
Dorothy’s family is grateful for the superior care she received at the Vista Del Monte Skilled Nursing Center for the eight years she was there.
Dorothy was pre-deceased by her parents, brother, Arthur, and sisters, Edna and Anna. She is survived by her husband George, son and daughter-in-law, Lowell and Barbara, and grandson, Brendan.
A Memorial Service is planned at Vista Del Monte Retirement Community, 3775 Modoc Rd., on Friday, April 12th at 2 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Deacon Fund or the FACT Foundation for Vista del Monte Resident Assistance Fund.
