Dorothy Wilson Shay

Dorothy Shay's warm heart and sarcastic wit brightened the lives of those around her and will continue to shine in their memories. Dorothy, 87, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 18, 2013. Dorothy was raised in South Pasadena, Calif., during the challenging times of the Great Depression and World War II. She attended Pasadena City College and UCLA. After college, she worked as a receptionist for the Edison Company in Alhambra, Calif., where she met Ellsworth "Buzz" Shay, whom she referred to as the handsome "big shot." Dorothy and Buzz married in 1949 and raised their three children in West Covina, Calif. Dorothy always found time to volunteer in her community, care for her aging parents and help out friends in need. She found joy in giving to others. She was active in the Junior Women's Club, a dedicated volunteer of Covina Inter-Community Hospital Auxiliary and devoted many years to Citrus Valley Hospice by providing caregiver respite support. She remained a strong advocate of the hospice program. Dorothy also worked as a parent education teacher for 10 years. Not only did she educate pre-school aged children, Dorothy also taught their parents about child development. She often found the children to be more attentive than their parents. She loved her pets, which over the years included several dogs, cats, guinea pigs, crows and a turtle. In 2004, Dorothy moved to San Luis Obispo, and later Morro Bay, to be near her daughter. As a preeminent social butterfly, she quickly made lots of friends and developed close bonds with her wonderful caregivers. Dorothy leaves behind her three children Mike Shay, Jon Shay and Jennifer Shay; four grandchildren; and many dear friends. As Dorothy wished, no formal service will be held. Her family suggests we honor her memory by finding the joy in giving to others.