Dorothy Helen Stris

Dorothy was born in Lorain, Ohio on September 16, 1920 and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from nursing school in Cleveland and remained a life-long learner with an inquisitive mind. Losing her mother at an early age, she helped raise her younger brothers, Ray and Dick. Dorothy fell in love and married a tall, handsome Marine, John Stris, in Cleveland in 1948 and soon became the mother of two beautiful daughters, Jane and Ellen. Their family moved to the Houston area in 1952 as John advanced in his professional career. She enjoyed the company of her family as other family members also relocated to the Houston area – her brothers and their families, her father, and her mother and father in-law, and sister-in-law and family. She lost John to cancer in 1964 but never really lost him as his spirit and memory remained with her. She returned to a career in nursing to support her daughters in their education and careers. In retirement, Dorothy enjoyed volunteering at health care facilities. Dorothy was a wonderful mother-in-law to Paul and Spike and became a grandma to Ellen and Paul’s daughters, Anna and Mary as well as a beloved great aunt to the Varga grand nieces and nephews in the Houston and Austin area. She loved her trips to visit Jane and Spike and Spike’s family in San Francisco and Las Vegas. Dorothy moved to Austin in 2003 after losing her eyesight to macular degeneration and was a loving and loved member of the Seals family In Austin, she developed many dear friendships at the Continental residential community where she maintained a home that was inviting and comfortable to all who entered. Dorothy made a difference in the lives of all she touched and will be missed. She died in Austin, Texas on August 8, 2011. Dorothy lived and loved her faith A Memorial service will be conducted at six o’clock in the evening, Sunday, the 14th of August in the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home; 6100 N. Lamar Blvd Austin TX Tributes may be made at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com