Dolores Trovato

Monterey – After 100 years, five months and two days, Mom passed peacefully in her own home of 68 years.
Dolores ("Dee") was born in Calexico, CA to Aurora Martinez and Jose Mendivil, a farmer/rancher family who traveled from Calexico to the Central Valley of CA. In 1939, it was necessary to move to a cooler climate, so the family travelled to Firebaugh, then to Hollister. Once World War II began, they finally made it to Salinas, CA in 1942. Dee was 17.
As a child growing up in the Central Valley, Dee milked cows, had a beloved cat and worked as a migrant worker.
Dee graduated from Salinas High School in 1943. From high school, she proudly got a job with Pacific Bell Telephone Company. After the war ended, she met the love of her life, Tony Trovato, of Monterey. They married in January of 1948 and Dee relocated from Salinas to Monterey. Together, they started a family and built and remodeled their lifelong home. They were together for 57 years until Tony's death in 2005.
Dee was a devoted wife and mother. She created a stable and loving home for her family. She was able to continue working competently for Pacific Bell in the Monterey office as office manager and toll clerk. She would drive her 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air to and from work from her home in Monterey at noon time to have lunch and to make dinner for her family upon their return from work and school. Dee retired from Pacific Bell after 45+ years and witnessed many technological changes, as you probably can imagine, from the analog age to the digital age.
Dee was quiet by nature and content being alone and pursuing her many activities. However, Dee also loved social gatherings and enjoyed listening to and occasionally participating in lively conversations. She would often offer a toast with a tasty glass of wine at the start of dinner. She was organized, disciplined, systematic, punctual, tidy, and detail oriented. She was always the calm in the storm. One was never late because of Dee. She was always ready to go!
Did you know she was a graceful ballroom dancer? In the early days, she and Tony danced to the music of the Swing Era at the ballroom of the former Del Monte Hotel in Monterey (now the location of the Naval Postgraduate School). Later, they both would show off their dancing skills on our living room floor!
Dee was a lifelong avid reader; switching to audiobooks when her eyesight declined. She loved musicals, movies, and stage plays. While gazing at the moon or sky through her skylight or just relaxing, Dee enjoyed listening to music especially to singer, Michael Crawford, and pianist, Roger Williams. A closet romantic!
Dee was always enthusiastic about taking road trips to visit family, friends and the natural wonders of the USA, like the Grand Tetons in Wyoming. At home, Dee tended her flower and fruit tree garden with loving care, and shared the fruits with neighbors.
Many thanks to our wonderful caregivers who cared for Mom 24/7 from May 15 through October 5. 2025. A special thanks to our main caregiver, Jeannetta Williams. Upon her recommendation, we contacted Hospice of the Central Coast who provided end of life care. A special thanks and shout out to RN extraordinaire, Angelica Jensen, of Hospice. We thank Dr. Eliot Light and his caring staff, Arlene and Deanna of Pacific Grove Family Medicine who provided general medical care for 41 years.
Dolores leaves behind a loving family who will miss her. Her surviving family include her sister, Anita Ferreira of Bakersfield; sister-in-law Joanna Trovato of Napa, CA; Dennis (son) and daughter in law, Patty, of Woodinville, WA; Diane Trovato Rowe and spouse (Bruce) of Seaside, CA; grandchildren: Sean Trovato and spouse (Avanie), and great granddaughter, Mia, of Seattle, WA; Colin Trovato and spouse (Olga) and great granddaughter, Natalie of New York City, NY; Adriana Ortiz and spouse (Jorge) and great granddaughter, Rheya, of Jersey City, NJ; Elliot Rowe and spouse (Chika) of Utrecht, The Netherlands; and Juneau (formerly Eric) Rowe of Carmel, CA; nephews Tom Trovato and spouse (Trish) of Surprise, AZ; Michael Trovato and spouse (Debbie) of Rancho Murieta, CA; Cindy Rybkowski and spouse (Roger) of Monroe, CT; Judy Vargas and spouse (Frank) of Hollister, CA; Annette Silvey and Alan Ferreira of Bakersfield, CA; Jim Duron and spouse (Denine) of Klamath Falls, Oregon; Elaine Martin of GA and David Duron of Carson, WA; Cynthia Eyler and spouse (Dennis) of Eldorado Hills, CA; and several grand nephews and grand nieces.
As per Mom's request, there will be no services, except for the private scattering of ashes to be scheduled in the Spring of 2026.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in memory of Dolores Trovato to the following:
San Carlos Cathedral at 500 Church Street, Monterey, CA 93940
San Carlos School at 450 Church Street, Monterey, CA 93940
The Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County at 225 Laurel Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Salvation Army of Monterey Peninsula Corps at 1491 Contra Costa Street, Seaside, CA 93955
Hospice of the Central Coast at 30 Ryan Court, Suite 250, Monterey, CA 93940.