Dorothy Lodge Obituary

Dorothy Lodge, 97 ENCINITAS -- Dorothy Thompson Lodge was born on August 22, 1912, and grew up in Fullerton, California. Her parents, Orrin and Margaret Herrick Thompson, had moved to California from Iowa, settling in Fullerton around 1910. Dorothy attended public schools in Fullerton and graduated from Fullerton Union High School before attending Pomona College. She spent her junior year in New York City, attending Barnard College. After graduation from Pomona, Dorothy enrolled at the University of Southern California Law School, where she graduated in 1938. There were eleven women in her law school class, which, at that time, was considered a "bumper crop." A pioneering woman lawyer, she initially worked in her brother Raymond Thompson's law office in Fullerton, and briefly as a public defender. Later, she served as Orange County's first woman deputy district attorney. When Raymond was appointed to the Superior Court, she took over his practice and continued its growth. She served as general counsel and corporate secretary of Pacific Hawaiian Corporation (producers of Hawaiian Punch). She also served on the Board of Directors of Fullerton Savings & Loan Association for over 50 years. Dorothy practiced law in Orange and San Diego Counties for more than 45 years, with her office at home much of the time when her children were young. In 1942 Dorothy married Hilmer Gilbert Lodge, a teacher and coach whom Dorothy met through her sister Helen's husband, Harold Lang. Dorothy and Hilmer lived briefly in Fullerton before moving to Placentia, where they raised their five children. Hilmer was best known as a successful track and field coach and founder of the Mt. San Antonio College Relays. In 1963 they moved to Pala where they were engaged in citrus farming. Dorothy and Hilmer enjoyed many happy years at the Pala ranch before Hilmer passed away in 1977. She continued to be very active following Hilmer's death, and particularly enjoyed visits with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She died peacefully at the Encinitas Retirement Gardens on January 3, 2010, in her 97th year. Dorothy is survived by children, Eric Lodge of Solana Beach, Elizabeth ("Betsy") Bremer of Mililani, Hawaii, Raymond Lodge of Pala, Margaret Louise Lodge of El Cajon, and Rosemary Otto of Spokane, Washington, as well as their spouses, 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Pauma Valley on Saturday, January 16, at 11am. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Home of Guiding Hands, 1825 Gillespie Way, Suite 200, El Cajon, CA 92020, where Dorothy's daughter, Margaret, has resided for many years. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com

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Published by North County Times on Jan. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Lodge

5 Entries

Leslie Dean

January 31, 2010

Dorothy was not only my great aunt, but she was also my godmother. I have so many fond memories of going to her house on Christmas Eve and playing with all the cousins and also going down to her ranch in Pala. In many ways she was the glue that held our family together these past years with so many of us living in different parts of the country. She was the historian of the family too. She will be missed.

Gwen Brickell

January 22, 2010

Dorothy was my father Raymond Thompson's youngest sister and my beloved aunt and dearest friend and our family's matriarch. She not only kept records of the Thompson and Herrick geneology going back pre Revolutionary War but kept in touch with and was always interested in all of the cousins and their spouses and children and grandchildren. Everyone in our extended family loved, admired and respected her. I will carry wonderful memories of her forever.

Thelly & Dick Togni

January 18, 2010

We had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Dorothy through my mother, Nathelle Greenleaf, who lived near Dorothy in Pauma Valley.
Our family has fond memories of Dorothy's hospitality and Raymond's jeep tours of the orange groves. Dorothy flew to Salem, OR for my mother's 80th surprise birthday party in 1995. Nathelle was able to be a supportive friend to her when she lived in assisted living in the SanDiego area. My mother at 94 still lives on her own but no longer travels and was unable to attend Dorothy's service.
To all of the Lodge family members we send our prayers and blessings. We are honored to have had you all in Nathelle's and our lives.

Charles Brickell

January 14, 2010

My name is Charles Brickell or many of you remember me as C.R. Brickell. I have very fond memories of my Aunt Dorothy and the Ranch. It was always a special treat to spend time at the Ranch and Aunt Dorothy always made me feel very special. I especially enjoyed our walks together around the Ranch and hearing stories she would share about her childhood and my grandfather, Raymond Thompson.

She was a remarkable person and she will be missed!!

Paul Saevig

January 13, 2010

My family friend Helen Badger was the longtime secretary for Mrs. Lodge, and my mother was a longtime friend of both. Mom met them both while an assistant to Dr. Bill Scott, DO, in the Chapman Building in Downtown Fullerton, beginning in 1943. Mrs. Thompson was a wonderful woman and a credit to Fullerton and the world. Everyone knew her and her brother Judge Thompson, including my father, Roger Saevig. Rest in eternal peace.

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