Dorothy Gertrude Biddison

Dorothy Gertrude Biddison was born on December 7, 1917 to Carl and Gertrude Anderson in Minneapolis, MN. A few years later the family moved to Chicago, IL, where Dorothy was raised, with her younger sister Vernel. She was 11 at the start of the Great Depression, and was celebrating her 23rd birthday when the news flash announced the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the start of World War II. The sisters moved to Los Angeles during the war. Dorothy worked for Occidental Petroleum and lived near the Figueroa Ballroom. She was an avid dancer and went dancing three times a week during those years. In 1948 she married James Clinton Biddison. A few years later, they moved to the San Fernando Valley where they raised their 3 children, Robert, Bonnie and Thomas.

Dorothy and Jimmy ran his construction company together for many years. She was an active member of Epiphany Lutheran Church since the family moved to West Hills in 1958. In 1971 her son Robert suffered a debilitating illness; it was her tireless attention as his caregiver and advocate that allowed him to live a happy, productive and independent life until his death in 1994.

Dorothy lived at the family home in West Hills until she was 104. She loved gardening and was actively involved in neighborhood events for more than 60 years. Neighbors referred to her as the “Queen of Schoenborn Street.” Dorothy passed peacefully on December 11, 2023, a few days after her 106th birthday; her surviving children were at her side. She was a wonderful and caring person, and will be missed by her friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, our family requests that a donation be sent to Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA. 18901. Thank you

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gateskingsleygates.com for the Biddison family.