Doryalee Fernandes

Doryalee Dee (Merwin) Fernandes passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 91, in

Manteca, CA surrounded by the love and laughter of her family. Dory was born on January

6, 1934, in Bosie, Idaho to James and Lena Merwin, who were US Forest Service

firewatchers stationed in the Bosie National Forest.

In heaven, Dory joins her beloved husband of 61 years, Alvin Fernandes, her parents, her

siblings, her son Robert Fernandes, and many family members and friends. She is survived

by her children; Becky and Tom Meredith, Linda and Steven McClary, grandchildren;

Corbett Schnatmeyer, Samuel Meredith, Sydney McClary, Shelby and Mario Cadena, greatgrandchildren;

Javier Cadena and Julian Cadena.

Dory grew up in Hayward, California, graduating from Hayward High School where she

played violin and piano in the orchestra. Graduating early from high school in 1952 she

went to work for Pacific Bell in Hayward where she was a switchboard operator. Dory went

on to work throughout her life as a bookkeeper for various businesses in the bay area,

retiring from East Bay Dialysis Center in Oakland.

Dory and Alvin spent most of their lives in Hayward and Fremont where they raised their

family and had a large network of friends that they traveled and spent time with. Dory was

actively involved in every aspect of her daughters lives from being PTA president, to Girl

Scout Troop leader where she loved being a camp counselor and leading camping trips.

Throughout her life, Dory loved anything outside, camping, skiing, boating, gardening,

watching sports, playing golf with Alvin, and traveling all over the US and a few international

trips.

Dory and Al made the decision upon retirement to move to Manteca to be closer to their

children and grandchildren where she lived for the past 22 years. Dory embraced living in

Manteca because she could see her grandchildren daily. When it came to supporting her

children or grandchildren, Dory was their biggest cheerleader who never missed an event

for gymnastics, football, baseball, wrestling, golf, or school performance. She enjoyed

socializing with family and friends, often bringing her famous "mac salad." She was fiercely

independent, continuing to drive as long as she could; she even floated the Russian River

with her family a few short years ago. Her most recent activity was visiting her grandson's

farm to view the new greenhouses. But the gift of having great-grandchildren was the

highlight of her life. Dory's passion was her family to which she provided unconditional

love, loyalty, encouragement, and support for all their dreams and activities. Vaya con Dios.

*A private service will be held at the family plot at Lone Tree Historical Cemetery, Hayward,

CA. In lieu of flowers, a remembrance may be made to any Veterans organization.