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1933 – 2012
On March 6, 1933, Opal Claree Noland Doty was born at home in Laura, Illinois. She grew up in touch with the earth and the animals in a farming community. After high school she moved to Chicago and attended University of Illinois, Champaign – Urbana for one year. She then moved to Los Angeles and became an Registered Nurse, studying at Bishop Johnson School of Nursing at Good Samaritan Hospital where she would meet her adoring husband of 51 years.
She married C. Howard Doty on July 1, 1961. The next day they took a train to New Orleans and caught a government boat to Panama where she worked as an R.N. at Gorgas Hospital. To return to the U.S. they bought a VW Bug and drove from Costa Rica on the Pan American Highway. Her strong sense of adventure and joie de vivre took them on many exciting travels.
Her first daughter, Lisa, was born on February 11, 1963, in L.A., CA. She and Howard moved to La Jolla in 1965 and on September 16, 1965, her second daughter, Carol, was born.
She resided in La Jolla for the next 47 years where she was an avid tennis player, member of the Doctors' Wives' Unit, bridge player and generous friend.
After battling melanoma for 33 years, she died at home in her sleep on August 18, 2012. She laughed, she loved and her legacy lives on in the beauty of her memory.
On Saturday, September 15, 2012, from 3 to 6pm the family will have an open house at her home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Claree and I had daughters growing up together-usually talked at school-always enjoyed her. Each passing lets us stop for a moment and remember and know Claree is off to her next great adventure, although I will miss her here. love mona williams
September 22, 2012
We were so sadden to learn of Claree's passing. She was such a lovely lady. We thoroughly enjoyed the bridge games and all the wonderful Cotillions with both of you. Claree will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.
LaJuan & Dan Fenn
Dan Fenn
September 22, 2012
Dear Howard, Lisa and Carol,
My condolences on your loss. Claree was a wonderful person and I will miss her.
Michael Whelan
September 16, 2012
September 16, 2012
Dear Claree - My favorite tennis partner, what fun we had. Your family was always my # one family. Beautiful daughters and handsome Howard. Had no idea when you were at our house it would be the last time I would visit with you. Would have flown home to spend time with you. Love you so much and miss you. Mary Appleby
September 13, 2012
I miss the beautiful, sweet, lovely Claree I am deeply saddened by her passinga. She was a loyal member of our "Unrulies", and she brought much joy and originality to our lunches. Sally Fuller
September 11, 2012
Will remember the warm, friendly lady who sat in front of me in art class.
Paula Liska
September 10, 2012
My fondest memory in class of you Claree
was your heartwarming smile.
I will miss you.
Ingrid Wolters
September 9, 2012
One of my favorite persons in the whole world, you have to get better. We miss you greatly. And we never did get that second lunch done. Sophie and I met at Origano's that day and had an Italian-like lunch... We miss you in class too.
Love,
Tom Tirado
[email protected]
September 9, 2012
September 7, 2012
All of us in her painting class learned with great sadness this Wednesday about Claree. She was a beautiful radiant and very smart lady and she & I shared a lot of great laughs and interesting conversation together. I will miss her greatly. I had the pleasure of meeting Howard at a small party for our painting group Claree organized 2 years ago at their Windansea condo. Wonderful memory. My heart goes out to Howard and their 2 daughters (which are roughly my age).
Sincerely, Sophie Paquet
September 7, 2012
I was so saddened to learn of Claree's passing... she was so loved by myself and everyone in her Thursday bridge group. Claree always had such a cheerful, light-hearted and positive way about her that was truly unique. She was a joy to be with and will be sorely missed.
Marilyn Caires
September 3, 2012
I remember cooking for MYF meetings with Claree--how she loved her girls--always there for them. Her favorite hymn was "Open my eyes"-don't know why I remember that! Our love and prayers are with Howard and family.
Brenda & Tom Lester
September 1, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Doty Family at this time of loss.
With great sadness,
Patricia and Pamela Weber
Patricia and Pamela Weber
September 1, 2012
Warm thoughts & memories of Claree have graced our loves this week. Our support & love to Howard.
Kathleen & Jim Fitch/Waters
September 1, 2012
Howard and family—
Stan and I are so sorry that you have lost Claree. With a beautiful spirit that was her essence, she personified the phrase Joie de vie. The world is unquestionably a lesser place in her absence. Our thoughts are with you all.
Karen Seat
August 31, 2012
Howard, we were sad to find out about Claree's passing. She gave so much love and joy to all who knew her. You have so many memories to give you comfort. You are in our prayers.
Marty and Kathy Schultze
August 30, 2012
I know Claree's spirit will live on.....Carol's is bright enough for both of you! Love you, Carol and my deepest sympathy to your Dad and Lisa.
Sherri Chessen
August 30, 2012
We love you Claree. Howard and girls, keep up the fight. We will be there with support. Bill and Kris Halsey
August 29, 2012
Our condolences to Howard, Lisa and Carol. Courage runs in your family! God Bless all of you now when you need it most!
Joan D. Glatthorn and Joe Lasensky
August 29, 2012
August 29, 2012
My deep condolences to the family. I hope that you will find comfort not only from your friends and family but also from God's Word the Bible (2 Tim 3:16). You will be in our prayers.
Ruth
August 29, 2012
We'll always remember your radiant smile, Claree. Thank you for showing us grace, beauty, fortitude and love. I'll cherish the Mediterranean cruise, dancing with you and Howard until the wee hours. What a joy and light you were in this world. Much love, Howard. Shine on, Claree. Blessings.
Carol Langley
August 27, 2012
A wonderful, selfless, loving person. Her kindness and concern for others was always felt. Her presence would light a room.
Rhonda and Ron Langley
August 27, 2012
Howard: We read with sadness of the passing of Claree. We had no idea that she was so ill because she always had such a cheerful personality and positive attitude. I was so happy that she paused to chat with me at Tom's birthday party. How grateful I am to have shared those nice moments & memories with you and her. God Bless You and your family. Genie & Frank Brown
August 27, 2012
You will be missed. We have fond memories of a lovely lady.
Love,
Judy and Jim Mayer
August 27, 2012
Our condolences to Howard and family. We played bridge with Claree and Howard at the McCroreys in Bonita many years ago. "Nickie" & Walt White
August 26, 2012
Claree's beauty and grace definitely left an impression on me as a young kid. I remember her calmness, as the buzz of young kids in her mix seemed to only add to her energy - not take it. She was beautiful, joyful and so sweet. She was always kind, happy and so thoughtful of others. I always loved seeing her in my adult years, she made each person in her presence feel as if they were so special. She had that sparkle in her eye and warmth in her heart, even when she was not feeling well. I admire her strength, grace and courage. What an adorable couple her and Howard were and a fantastic mom to her two precious girls! Sending your entire family my love and prayers during this challenging time........
Shari Ness Cottrell
August 26, 2012
May the memories of dear Aunt Claree comfort you today. We will miss her dearly. Love you, Jeff & Elyse Black
August 26, 2012
A wonderful, gracious spirited lady who always had a smile, kind words and open arms during a transitional period in my life. Her spirit lives on... Wishes of peace and comfort to the whole family!
Frank Ohrmund
August 26, 2012
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