Dorothy Jane Scovil

Ventura - Dorothy J. "Dot" Scovil passed away peacefully at her home in Ventura, CA on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Dot, and her twin sister Mary were born in Oxnard, CA on February 20, 1943 to the Rev. David deLancy and Maybell Rose Afford Scovil. Her father was from New York; her mother from Canada. Dot's father was an Episcopal priest who served at Trinity Episcopal in Santa Barbara and All Saints Episcopal in Oxnard. The family moved to Kansas when her father took a new church assignment. Dot received her undergraduate degree at Fort Hays Kansas State University. She moved to New York City where she got her Master's degree in pastoral counseling from Union Theological Seminary; she was also a licensed psychotherapist (Marriage and Family Therapy).

Dot created the Counseling and Human Development Center at Trinity Episcopal Church, New York City in her early career. The Center focused on introducing counseling services to the corporate and business community around Wall Street. She was Director and Clinical Supervisor of an average of 25 licensed therapists for 13 years. While there, Dot fell in love with Grace Sawyer. Together, they moved back to southern California. Grace died of cancer in 1987.

Dot was involved with mental health services at various Ventura County organizations (New Beginnings, Rainbow Alliance). She was the founder and executive director of Samaritan Counseling Centers in Ventura. She began her private practice in 1990 and retired in 2008. She was a resident of Ventura for 39 years.

Dot fell in love with Eunice M. Wood (Woody) and they became domestic partners. They were together until Woody died in May 2012.

Her favorite pastime was painting in watercolors. She began painting in 1958 and enjoyed using her artistic techniques to capture the spirit of people, places, animals, and nature. She enjoyed her Thursday morning group of artists who painted together and where she could also share her knowledge. Painting was relaxing; it was a spiritual experience.

Dot was an active member of the Ventura Center for Spiritual Living. She was part of the Happy Campers women's camping group. She was deeply connected to the Pine Mountain Buddhist Temple.

She is survived by her cousin Joan Robinson of Salem, Oregon and her dearest friend Karen Hillman of Ventura CA.

A memorial service will be held at Ventura Center for Spiritual Living, 101 S. Laurel, Ventura CA on Saturday, August 2d, 2025 at 2pm. Reception to follow. Donations can be made to the Ventura Center for Spiritual Living.