The doctor delivered Dorothy Irene Lee (nee Anderson) October 22, 1926, on a wind-blown Great Plains farm near Elizabeth, Colorado, and then drove down the road and delivered her cousin Ted. She lived on the farm and survived the Great Depression with her parents Grace and John Anderson and her older brother Bill until 1942 when they moved to Arvada, Colorado.
Dorothy attended Arvada High School while WWII was raging across the world. She was an excellent student and went on to get an associate degree from the University of Denver in Business Administration. She then went to work as a secretary until she met William (Bill) Everett Lee, recently returned from the European front, at a Grange hall dance. They married on March 28, 1948.
Bill was an entrepreneur and together they owned All-Quip Rental and Sales in Denver, Colorado – a construction equipment rental company. Dorothy quietly and efficiently ran the administrative and accounting side of the business operation. They always said that Bill drummed up business and then Dorothy scrambled to figure out how to pay for and manage it.
She was a wonderful mother to Debbie, giving her the gifts of love, acceptance, a practical approach to problem-solving, a sincere interest in other people, and a solid work ethic. Weekly trips to the library and everyday acknowledgement of the beauty of the natural world fostered wonder and curiosity.
In 1986 Dorothy and Bill sold the business (and to Dorothy’s consternation – her job) and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, due to Bill’s emphysema. They had many adventures travelling the country in their 34-foot motorhome, towing a little car behind them.
When Bill passed away in 1991 Dorothy unselfishly chose to move to California, instead of returning to Colorado, so she could be near her daughter Debbie, son-in-law Tom and two grandchildren, Evan and Bonnie. Her choices always reflected her commitment to helping people and her dedication to family.
During her retirement Dorothy helped and played with her grandchildren, volunteered, and traveled the world with her dear friend and sister-in-law Goldie Grandy and other friends. She generously sponsored many trips with family and friends, including cruises with her grandchildren and their friends, where the only requirement was that everyone show up for “dinner with Grammie”.
She was a sharp-witted observer with a great sense of humor and was quick to laugh at a good story. Her quiet confidence and Bill’s outgoing personality fit together well.
She was a humbly generous person in both thought and deed. She believed in “blooming where she was planted”, and her positive attitude buoyed people’s spirits up through many a struggle. She always accepted and loved people exactly as they were.
Dorothy passed away peacefully on January 9, 2021, on a sun-filled day near her family she so lovingly treasured. She is survived by her daughter Debbie Ong, son-in-law Tom Ong, and grandchildren Evan and Bonnie. It was a blessing to have her in our lives and we will greatly miss her.
Due to COVID restrictions a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Pasadena Humane Society.
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