Dorothy Gay

Long time Goleta resident Dorothy Gay passed away on May 12, 2020. Born in Huntington Park, CA, Dorothy spent her youth growing up in South Gate and later Glendale, CA alongside her older sister (Margaret Greipel) and younger brother (Rudy (Beth) Greipel). Her brother Rudy recalls that Dorothy was great with people and when growing up together, as his older sister, Dorothy always had a nice way of asking him to do tasks that made him want to do just it for her rather than rebel.

She graduated from Herbert Hoover High School and a year later met the love of her life, Gordon, at a church function. They were married three years later on August 29. 1953.

After moving around the Los Angeles area, the family settled in Goleta in 1970, where they raised their two daughters, Linda (Sam Bergeron) Millard, who resides in Ketchikan, Alaska, and Dana (Timothy) Burke, who resides in Maui, Hawaii. Dorothy found employment at San Marcos High School as a teacher’s aide, then went on to work at Southern California Gas Company.

After her retirement, Dorothy became an active member at Stowe House-Goleta Valley Historical Society and Santa Barbara Lawn Bowls Club, along with her husband Gordon. She and Gordon enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends around the US and Europe and taking ocean and river cruises.

In addition to being an accomplished homemaker, Dorothy was known for her dry sense of humor, sewing and baking skills, and unbelievable luck at cribbage and cards. Her favorite pastimes were reading, gardening and beachcombing for shells, sea glass and other found treasures.

In retirement, Dorothy continued her love of sewing and started quilting; creating quilts for her grandchildren, which are treasured keepsakes.

At the time of her passing, Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, sister, and husband of 66 years, Gordon. She is survived by her daughters, younger brother, nephew (Gary Greipel) and niece (Laurie Greipel), four grandchildren (Anna (Josh) Lo, Daniel (Ali Gundersen) Burke, Colette Peters, Geneva Peters), four great-grandchildren (Ascher Gundersen, Ilai Gundersen Burke, Cassandra Lo, Lucas Lo), great nephew (Vasha Greipel) and great niece (Svetlana Greipel), many cousins and family friends.

Due to the pandemic, the celebration of life will be held sometime next year.

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