Thomas Rothstein

Thomas Rothstein

Born December 24, 1934 to Oliver and Nannie Rothstein in Minnesota, Tom moved west to Richmond, California with his family during World War II where family members worked in the shipyards.
In 1957, Tom married sweet Lorraine (Lorrie) and they raised three children together. Tom and Lorrie both worked full time and shared home responsibilities equally, although that was not popular at the time. The family enjoyed camping and waterskiing, and neighborhood kids often appeared at their home while the camper was being packed, hoping to be invited along. Tom coached and supported his children and their friends in every sport they chose to play. His children say they cannot imagine a better father.
Tom started out working at Doggie Diner, then moved on to United Grocers where he learned to drive trucks. After retirement, Tom and Lorrie enjoyed traveling the United States in their motor home and it was at that time Tom learned to dance. He often encouraged young couples to take up dancing as well. Tom and Lorrie moved to Cobb Mountain in 1990. Tom played racquetball, tennis, and golf, and took long bike rides into his 80s, determined to remain active and fit.
Lorrie would survive lymphoma only to develop Alzheimer's, and Tom cared for her lovingly and unflaggingly for many years until her death. He was never heard to complain. In 2006, Tom and Lorrie suffered the loss of their beloved daughter, Kelley. Life would never be the same.
Still, Tom remained active and continued to enjoy dancing. In 2015, beautiful Valerie danced into Tom's life, as if a gift from God. The two married and spent the next six-plus years dining and dancing and making trips to the ocean. They thoroughly enjoyed life together, living to the fullest. Valerie and Tom attended Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Clearlake.
After many years as a caregiver, the past year it was Tom's turn to be taken care of. Valerie saw to Tom's every need. After taking a fall in January 2023, Tom was unable to recover. Still, Tom and Val remained inseparable. From Valerie's loving arms, Tom quietly tip-toed into heaven on April 14, 2023 as Val reminded him what a good man he was and how very much his family loved him.
Tom is survived by his wife Valerie, boys Michael (Kathy) and Tim (Susan) Rothstein, son-in-law Al Leong, grandchildren Matt (Jill) and Theresa (Ploy) Rothstein, Che (Susan) and Leslie Valdez, and seven great-grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered.
Care entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336 www.chapelofthelakes.com, 707-263-0357