Dorothy Ellen Georges
Dorothy was born in San Luis Obispo on June 5th, 1939, to parents, Joseph Silvera and Louis Rivea. She was raised there as a child, surrounded by a large loving family with many aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. She was fondly referred to as “Susie”. There, at the age of 3 Dorothy was crowned Portuguese Queen. The family later moved to Santa Barbara/ Goleta, area where she attended Goleta Union School, Santa Barbara Jr High and Santa Barbara High. Dorothy married Caesar Martinez and had 3 sons: Mike (Carol), Tony (Tessi) and Caesar (Debby).
In the early 70’s Dorothy began working at Heyer-Schulte in Production & Assembly. Surrounded by her ‘girls’, it was there she forged many lifelong friendships. She remained in the industry over 30 years, working her way into Customer Service and was a direct link to surgeons designing many custom implants. She was well loved and respected by those in her industry.
Mom was a brilliant, funny, creative person who loved dancing, cooking, crafting and gardening. She married Ben Georges in 1982. They began sharing many adventures together, traveling in their RV with annual trips to San Antonio Lake with family and friends. Dorothy taught many of her family and friends to waterski and kneeboard. She also loved her quieter trips to Lake Cachuma with Ben and her dogs, Wiley and Dolly.
Dorothy is survived by her husband Ben, sons and their wives, grandchildren; Brett (Monica), Derek, Kyle (Rebecca), Caitlin (Bula), great grandchildren; Annalyse, Alina, Ace, Clint, Naomi, Pi’ikea and Anuhea.
She is also survived by her loving blended family, with her sister-in-law, Cindy Burwell (Ken), 4 stepchildren, nieces, nephews, 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and her dog, Benji.
Dorothy and Ben enjoyed many family gatherings and attended lots of ball games and dance performances, something that brought them great joy.
Mom had plenty of love for all of us and shared it generously and unconditionally. By example, she taught us to work hard, and to be humble, kind human beings. We will miss her every day and love her forever.