Died: October 25, 2023 in Upland, California at her ‘Bestemor Cottage’ home
Reverend Dori Jeanine Somers was a poet, artist, published author, minister,
motivational speaker, leader of Woman Spirit Seminars, proud Norwegian, and beloved
parent and grandparent. Her words live on through collections of her poetry and
drawings Weeds? or Wildflowers! (1987) and Pineapple Sage (2002), memoir Heart
Room and Hyacinths (2012), the inspirational Serenity - Positive Paths to Inner Peace
(2014), and Choose Joy! Reflections on the Chosen Life (2018). Dori was known for her
artistry, her warmth, and her way with words.
As owner of Choice Publishing in Huntington Beach, she specialized in newsletters and
publications to “communicate your greatness.” She was once the woman’s news editor
for a weekly news group, and edited the Orange County Business Letter for the length of
its publication life. She served as Secretary and President of the Friends of the La Mirada
Theatre for the Performing Arts, Board Member of Huntington Beach Friends of the
Library, member of La Mirada Senior Council, and Corresponding Secretary, Third, and
First Vice President of the Orange County Chapter of Women In Management.
Rev. Somers studied at Rutgers University, Bangor Theological Seminary, Crane
Seminary, and joined the Unitarian Universalist ministry In 1971, serving congregations
in Bangor, Maine; Fullerton, Whittier, and Mission Viejo, California. Rev. Somers was a
former Trustee of the Pacific South West District of the Unitarian Universalist
Association, and 1998 recipient of the PSWD Distinguished Service Award. She edited
the district newsletter and served on the board of Sunset Hall Retirement Residence.
She was Secretary on the deBenneville Pines Camp & Conference Center Board, and
West Coast co-director and spokesperson for Unitarian Universalism’s International
Volunteer Service Organization (the UU Service Committee).
She is preceded in death by her daughter, June Somers-Cook and grandson, Austin
Budds. She is survived by her son, Mark Somers, daughters, Kristi Kawas and Amy
Budds, and grandchildren who called her DeeDee: Justin Budds, Caitlin Somers, Elias
Kawas, David Somers, Laura Kawas, Michael Kawas, Max Banducci, and Jacob Budds. In
addition, she was a second or surrogate mom to countless teens who lovingly re-named
her home Dori's Dorm; and a joyful dog mama, most recently to Toto, Stevie, and
Monkey. Dori will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and her legacy of love and
kindness lives on. In keeping with Rev Dori's Wishes, NO FUNERAL SPRAYS PLEASE, but the family requests to bring only a single flower to contribute to the flower communion arrangement.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stonefuneralhomeupland.com for the Somers family.
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