Anna Geraldine Doell Lea
Gerry Doell Lea died on December 29, 2022 following a short period of declining health. She lived a long, full life, and touched many people with her gentle, generous spirit.
Born on January 11, 1926 in Electra, Texas, to Charlie and Lola Coffer, she lived her early years on various farms in Oklahoma and Texas, being raised with her 3 siblings, Helen, J.E. and Floye. In 1940, the family moved to Carpinteria, following Gerry’s uncle who was a high goal polo player. Gerry graduated from Carpinteria High School in 1944, and received a full scholarship to study English at UCSB. During her junior year, she and Robert (Bob) Doell, also a junior at UCSB, fell in love and married in June of 1947. Following their college graduations, Bob and Gerry designed and built their first home in 1949-1950 in the new Concha Loma neighborhood in Carpinteria.
In 1951, the first of their three girls, Robin, was born, followed by Ann in 1953 and Cindy in 1957. In 1956, Gerry and Bob moved to their home on Foothill Road in Carpinteria where they raised their girls and where Gerry lived for over 66 years. Sadly, Bob died in 1975, leaving a significant void in the family. In 1994, Gerry married Richard Lea and together, they enjoyed working on her house and various travels until his death in 2011.
Throughout her life, Gerry particularly enjoyed helping others, most often in small, quiet ways. When her girls were in elementary school, every year she was a room mother for their classrooms, and she was instrumental in creating the first library at Aliso School. Gerry was an avid tennis player for many years, and a voracious reader since childhood. A big part of her life was her faith and the many friends she made through Carpinteria Community Church. Gerry had a kind, caring disposition, and always a listening ear, making countless friends of all ages throughout her long life. In her words, her greatest legacy is the deep love she held for her family, and she will be missed greatly.
Gerry is survived by her daughters, Robin (Jack) Sawaske and Cindy (Alan) Doell; son-in-law, Rus Arnold; grandchildren, Spencer (Adrienne) and Connor Sawaske, Naomi (Jack), Zachary and Madison (Gabrielle) Arnold; great-grandchildren, Henry and Quincy Sawaske, Sofia Arnold; and many loving nieces and nephews. Gerry was preceded in death by her siblings, husbands, and her daughter, Ann.
Services will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Carpinteria Community Church, 1111 Vallecito Rd, Carpinteria.
Donations may be made in her memory to Carpinteria Library, Carpinteria Community Church or your favorite charity.