Dorothy “Dottie” Irene Rupert was born in Ashland, Pennsylvania on April 19, 1926 and entered into rest on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016 at her home in Pacific Palisades, California after a brief fight with cancer.
She was the daughter of Roy and Bardella Rupert. Her father, Roy, was born in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania and was a coal miner. He died from miner’s asthma in 1965. Her mother, Bardella, was born in Wilburton, Pennsylvania and together they had seven children.
Dorothy was raised in Wilburton and was valedictorian of her senior class in Cunningham Township High School in Aristas, Pennsylvania. She then moved with her sister, Florence, to New Jersey and began a career as a secretary to an executive of Ortho Pharmaceuticals. When this executive was transferred to California, he brought Dorothy with him and she lived in Santa Monica where she would meet her future husband, Rodney, and be married to him for 54 years. While raising Richard she transcribed depositions in her spare time.
On vacation to June Lake, Dorothy always caught more fish than Rodney did. Dorothy was very active in Pacific Palisades Community United Methodist Church. She helped support church bazaars by making items for sale or making egg salad sandwiches, which always sold out. She held many positions in Palisades PEO Chapter OB, including president in 2003 and 2004.
Dorothy was very friendly, fun and well respected among her peers. Dorothy had three brothers—Harry, George and John—and three sisters—Hannah, Florence and Mary. Dorothy had one child, Richard.
Dorothy is survived by her husband Rodney, son Richard, daughter-in-law Patricia, one brother John, two sisters Florence and Mary, five grandchildren—Madison Gross, Stephanie Gross, Anthony Marckese, Brandon Jung and Christopher Jung, Maria, and many extended family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, one can give to the following charity in Dottie’s memory. Checks can be made out to PEO FOUNDATION The Scholarship Selection Committee. On the memo line please write: In Memory of DOROTHY I. GROSS. Please mail checks to Amy Berggreen Treasurer,17250 W. Sunset Blvd #104, Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272.
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