Dorothy W. Roe

Dorothy Wright Roe, 99, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2014 in Santa Barbara, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Erma Wright and her son Robert Roe. She is survived by her three daughters Diana Gaskell, Kathy (Bruce) Bowman and Shirley Roe. Loving grandchildren are Darren (Aubree) La Groe, Kristy Winegarner, Brian Roe, Kary (Jake) Dietzler and Emily Roe along with Great Grandchildren Kayla, Jacob, and Benjamin who was born 10 days after she passed away.

Dorothy was born in Elsinore, CA, a third-generation Californian. She grew up in Glendale and attended UCLA and Sawyers School of Business. She worked for eight years as a secretary at the Southern California Building and Loan Association in Los Angeles. Dorothy married William Roe, a pre-med student on September 13, 1935. Their first daughter was born one week before Pearl Harbor and soon Bill shipped out overseas. When he returned they settled in the San Fernando Valley where he set up his surgical practice. They had two more daughters and a son. Dorothy juggled being a stay-at-home mom with carpools, church and volunteer work. She was active in the Tuesday Afternoon Club, National Charity League and Women's Auxiliary of the Los Angeles County Medical Association, holding many offices including president, state district counselor and parliamentarian. In 1969 Dorothy and her son moved to Westlake Village. There she worked at State Farm's Regional Office for 5 years and then got her Real Estate license. She was a successful realtor at West Oaks Realty, active participant in the community and a member of the "Million Dollar Club” many times over. Dorothy retired in 1989, but volunteer work again filled her life. She was a docent and historian at the Stagecoach Inn Museum and was very active at Westminster Presbyterian Church volunteering in the office, serving on the Finance Committee and devoting time to the Senior Ministry. In 2000, she moved to The Samarkand Retirement Community where she lived until her death. Here she was again busy volunteering especially with organizing Nu-2-U, an on-campus thrift shop benefiting residents and employees. Her lifelong hobbies have included golf, bridge, reading and many travels. Dorothy enjoyed the many activities and friendships at Samarkand and is remembered fondly by all who knew. She is lovingly missed by her family who celebrate her well-lived long life.

A Memorial Service will be held on March 15, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the Chapel at Valley Oaks - Griffin Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Rd, Westlake Village, CA. Memorial donations should be directed to the Samarkand Employee Fund,

2550 Treasure Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.