Kathleen Welch Dochez

Kathleen Welch Dochez
PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Kathleen Welch Dochez passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2011, at her home in Palo Alto, Calif., after a short illness.
She leaves behind her daughters, Anne Dochez, Kate Dochez, Lynne (George) Hammitt, son, Marc Dochez; granddaughter, Nell; cousin, Deneige Pompeo; and numerous nieces and nephews.
'Kaye' was born in Westbrook on Dec. 10, 1921, to Alice and Leo Welch. She grew up surrounded by a large extended family and enjoyed summers at the lakes and beaches. She attended Westbrook High and Gorham Normal School (now the University of Southern Maine). Her first job was teaching the sub primary grades in Westbrook.
It was on a trip to Portland, the day WWII ended, when Kaye met her future husband, Victor Dochez. The handsome officer in his Navy uniform won Kaye's heart. They were married eight months later and eventually moved to Palo Alto where they raised their family. They were married 63 years until Victor died in 2009.
She was predeceased by her husband; parents; brother, sister; and nephew, Larry Ellis.
Kaye volunteered with the local 4-H club, the Women's Guild of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, the PTA, March of Dimes and was an election officer for Santa Clara County. She later worked at Jules Rapp Jewelers and University Art Center.
After retirement she enjoyed her home and garden, visiting with neighbors and traveling with her family. She kept up correspondences with her friends and family in Maine. She was admired for her wonderful sense of humor, her ability to put people at ease and her love of dancing.
At Kaye's request, there will be no memorial service and her ashes will be scattered in Casco Bay by her family.