Dorothy Jayne Emerson Relaford was born May 21, 1927, and passed away the evening of January 24, 2018 in Alvarado Hospital after a week surrounded by loving family and friends, including a concert of hymns from members of her beloved choir family.
She is survived by four children: Jayne Relaford Brown (spouse Janice Chernekoff) of Pennsylvania, Nancy Relaford of San Diego, Judy Haberstroh (husband Mark Haberstroh) of La Mesa, and Bruce Relaford (wife Margo Relaford) of San Diego; 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday March 10 at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA 91941. The service will be followed by a reception in King Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorothy’s name to Foothills UMC.
The following biography was read at Dorothy’s 90th birthday celebration in May, 2017: MAY 21, 1927 As Lindbergh crosses the Atlantic, at the stroke of Midnight, on the cusp between Taurus and Gemini, May 20tht or 21st, depending on whether you count her father’s or the doctor’s watch, a little girl is born in a hospital on 7th and G in Downtown San Diego.
1930s - Dorothy Emerson grew up on a hilltop in Encanto, and attended Central Christian church downtown. She went to Encanto Elementary school, where she skipped a couple of grades. In 6th grade she was the student who answered the phone, and transcribed the principal’s letters. She decided then she wanted to be a school secretary. She played piano and then tried all the strings until she got to the string bass, which was her love, and which she played all the way through San Diego High School and in the Community Symphony under director Nino Marcelli.
1940s - During the war, Dorothy served on an aircraft warning post located at the top of her hill, reporting on the planes flying in the area. She loved going to USO and Armed Services YMCA dances with her older friends, and corresponded with many servicemen. At 15 she met her future husband, who was then dating one of her friends, at a community dance. Her friend was dating a guy named Frank Relaford, who worked with her at Convair. Frank dated two of Dorothy’s friends, and the last night before he was to report to the service, his current date was busy with a sailor, so he asked Dorothy to be his date.
Dorothy graduated from San Diego High in June 1944, just after she turned 17. While volunteering at the local Methodist church, she went over to Encanto School to run off the bulletin, and found out they needed a school secretary. She was urged to apply, and was back two days later doing her dream job. She continued her correspondence with Frank Relaford while he was overseas. In March of ‘46 Frank returned from service, and Dorothy was the first person he called. They were engaged in August and married on Thanksgiving Day. Frank’s two previous girl friends were bridesmaids at their wedding.
1950s & 1960s - The 50s brought three daughters, Jayne, Nancy and Judy, and three moves as Frank worked his way to becoming a trust officer in Bank of America. Dorothy used her talents to paint stained glass window Christmas scenes and make cakes with camping scenes and in the shape of giant Easter eggs. The family built a house in Casa de Oro and in January 1960 joined Foothills Methodist Church in its little chapel on Campo Road. Dorothy was recruited by the choir the first Sunday they attended. In 1962, Dorothy was the director of Vacation Bible school at the new church on Avocado Blvd and expecting baby number four. A baby shower was planned for her on the last day of VBS, but son Bruce had already arrived, so the girls stood in for Dorothy at the shower. In 1968, Dorothy went back to work as a clerical employee for La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools, where she worked until retiring in 1983.
And Beyond - Throughout her work life and into retirement, Dorothy stayed involved and busy. As a member of El Cajon Valley Gem and Mineral Society, she helped develop the Rock Feast, which she and Frank took all over California and to the County Fair. The Rock Feast is now on permanent exhibit at the Heritage of the Americas Museum at Cuyamaca College. At Foothills UMC, Dorothy sang in the Chancel Choir for 57 years. Even though she had to give up choir on doctor’s orders this past year, Dorothy continued to be active in Monday Prayer Group, Foothills Folks, Reconciling Fellowship, and her Wednesday study group.
During their 62 years of marriage, Dorothy and Frank enjoyed travels throughout the United States, spending times with relatives and friends, and rockhounding trips to the desert in their RV. After Frank’s passing in 2008, Dorothy continued to enjoy her times with friends and family, especially her Foothills family. She always made a habit of welcoming new and returning members to church, and in recent years was proudly involved in the Reconciling Fellowship’s Mission to make Foothills a truly inclusive and affirming spiritual home with “open hearts, open minds and open doors” for all.
At the cusp of 90, Dorothy’s kids and grandkids described her as: Big-hearted, brave, generous, cool, continuously learning, compassionate, “Wise, kind, the glue that binds,” sassy, “badass,” open-minded, fun, loved, and young at heart. Friends found her to be a fun, congenial, wise, and non-judging companion, confidante, and mentor.
Dorothy Jayne Emerson Relaford passed away the evening of January 24, 2018, in Alvarado Hospital after a week surrounded by loving family and friends, including a concert of hymns from members of the choir of Foothills United Methodist Church. Her family have been awed by the outpouring of love and respect for Dorothy from her friends old and new, and deeply appreciate the active kindness and support we have received from her Foothills family. Heartfelt thanks to Foothills UMC Pastor Greg, Pastor Jeanette, Prayer Group, Small Group, Chancel Choir, Reconciling Fellowship, and the entire Foothills congregation; the Alvarado Hospital’s sixth floor nurses and other staff who gave our mother such skilled and compassionate care; her doctors, especially Dr. Zamudio; Cathy Cueva and Reiki Wind; Vitas Hospice; and El Cajon Mortuary. She was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Dorothy’s Life will take place on Saturday, March 10 at 3 p.m. at Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91941, followed by a reception in King Hall. Donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to the Foothills UMC.
(www.dignitymemorial.com)
She is survived by four children: Jayne Relaford Brown (spouse Janice Chernekoff) of Pennsylvania, Nancy Relaford of San Diego, Judy Haberstroh (husband Mark Haberstroh) of La Mesa, and Bruce Relaford (wife Margo Relaford) of San Diego; 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday March 10 at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA 91941. The service will be followed by a reception in King Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorothy’s name to Foothills UMC.
The following biography was read at Dorothy’s 90th birthday celebration in May, 2017: MAY 21, 1927 As Lindbergh crosses the Atlantic, at the stroke of Midnight, on the cusp between Taurus and Gemini, May 20tht or 21st, depending on whether you count her father’s or the doctor’s watch, a little girl is born in a hospital on 7th and G in Downtown San Diego.
1930s - Dorothy Emerson grew up on a hilltop in Encanto, and attended Central Christian church downtown. She went to Encanto Elementary school, where she skipped a couple of grades. In 6th grade she was the student who answered the phone, and transcribed the principal’s letters. She decided then she wanted to be a school secretary. She played piano and then tried all the strings until she got to the string bass, which was her love, and which she played all the way through San Diego High School and in the Community Symphony under director Nino Marcelli.
1940s - During the war, Dorothy served on an aircraft warning post located at the top of her hill, reporting on the planes flying in the area. She loved going to USO and Armed Services YMCA dances with her older friends, and corresponded with many servicemen. At 15 she met her future husband, who was then dating one of her friends, at a community dance. Her friend was dating a guy named Frank Relaford, who worked with her at Convair. Frank dated two of Dorothy’s friends, and the last night before he was to report to the service, his current date was busy with a sailor, so he asked Dorothy to be his date.
Dorothy graduated from San Diego High in June 1944, just after she turned 17. While volunteering at the local Methodist church, she went over to Encanto School to run off the bulletin, and found out they needed a school secretary. She was urged to apply, and was back two days later doing her dream job. She continued her correspondence with Frank Relaford while he was overseas. In March of ‘46 Frank returned from service, and Dorothy was the first person he called. They were engaged in August and married on Thanksgiving Day. Frank’s two previous girl friends were bridesmaids at their wedding.
1950s & 1960s - The 50s brought three daughters, Jayne, Nancy and Judy, and three moves as Frank worked his way to becoming a trust officer in Bank of America. Dorothy used her talents to paint stained glass window Christmas scenes and make cakes with camping scenes and in the shape of giant Easter eggs. The family built a house in Casa de Oro and in January 1960 joined Foothills Methodist Church in its little chapel on Campo Road. Dorothy was recruited by the choir the first Sunday they attended. In 1962, Dorothy was the director of Vacation Bible school at the new church on Avocado Blvd and expecting baby number four. A baby shower was planned for her on the last day of VBS, but son Bruce had already arrived, so the girls stood in for Dorothy at the shower. In 1968, Dorothy went back to work as a clerical employee for La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools, where she worked until retiring in 1983.
And Beyond - Throughout her work life and into retirement, Dorothy stayed involved and busy. As a member of El Cajon Valley Gem and Mineral Society, she helped develop the Rock Feast, which she and Frank took all over California and to the County Fair. The Rock Feast is now on permanent exhibit at the Heritage of the Americas Museum at Cuyamaca College. At Foothills UMC, Dorothy sang in the Chancel Choir for 57 years. Even though she had to give up choir on doctor’s orders this past year, Dorothy continued to be active in Monday Prayer Group, Foothills Folks, Reconciling Fellowship, and her Wednesday study group.
During their 62 years of marriage, Dorothy and Frank enjoyed travels throughout the United States, spending times with relatives and friends, and rockhounding trips to the desert in their RV. After Frank’s passing in 2008, Dorothy continued to enjoy her times with friends and family, especially her Foothills family. She always made a habit of welcoming new and returning members to church, and in recent years was proudly involved in the Reconciling Fellowship’s Mission to make Foothills a truly inclusive and affirming spiritual home with “open hearts, open minds and open doors” for all.
At the cusp of 90, Dorothy’s kids and grandkids described her as: Big-hearted, brave, generous, cool, continuously learning, compassionate, “Wise, kind, the glue that binds,” sassy, “badass,” open-minded, fun, loved, and young at heart. Friends found her to be a fun, congenial, wise, and non-judging companion, confidante, and mentor.
Dorothy Jayne Emerson Relaford passed away the evening of January 24, 2018, in Alvarado Hospital after a week surrounded by loving family and friends, including a concert of hymns from members of the choir of Foothills United Methodist Church. Her family have been awed by the outpouring of love and respect for Dorothy from her friends old and new, and deeply appreciate the active kindness and support we have received from her Foothills family. Heartfelt thanks to Foothills UMC Pastor Greg, Pastor Jeanette, Prayer Group, Small Group, Chancel Choir, Reconciling Fellowship, and the entire Foothills congregation; the Alvarado Hospital’s sixth floor nurses and other staff who gave our mother such skilled and compassionate care; her doctors, especially Dr. Zamudio; Cathy Cueva and Reiki Wind; Vitas Hospice; and El Cajon Mortuary. She was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Dorothy’s Life will take place on Saturday, March 10 at 3 p.m. at Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91941, followed by a reception in King Hall. Donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to the Foothills UMC.
(www.dignitymemorial.com)
Dorothy Jayne Emerson Relaford was born May 21, 1927, and passed away the evening of January 24, 2018 in Alvarado Hospital after a week surrounded by loving family and friends, including a concert of hymns from members of her beloved choir family.
She is survived by four children: Jayne Relaford Brown (spouse Janice Chernekoff) of Pennsylvania, Nancy Relaford of San Diego, Judy Haberstroh (husband Mark Haberstroh) of La Mesa, and Bruce Relaford (wife Margo Relaford) of San Diego; 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday March 10 at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA 91941. The service will be followed by a reception in King Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorothy’s name to Foothills UMC.
The following biography was read at Dorothy’s 90th birthday celebration in May, 2017: MAY 21, 1927 As Lindbergh crosses the Atlantic, at the stroke of Midnight, on the cusp between Taurus and Gemini, May 20tht or 21st, depending on whether you count her father’s or the doctor’s watch, a little girl is born in a hospital on 7th and G in Downtown San Diego.
1930s - Dorothy Emerson grew up on a hilltop in Encanto, and attended Central Christian church downtown. She went to Encanto Elementary school, where she skipped a couple of grades. In 6th grade she was the student who answered the phone, and transcribed the principal’s letters. She decided then she wanted to be a school secretary. She played piano and then tried all the strings until she got to the string bass, which was her love, and which she played all the way through San Diego High School and in the Community Symphony under director Nino Marcelli.
1940s - During the war, Dorothy served on an aircraft warning post located at the top of her hill, reporting on the planes flying in the area. She loved going to USO and Armed Services YMCA dances with her older friends, and corresponded with many servicemen. At 15 she met her future husband, who was then dating one of her friends, at a community dance. Her friend was dating a guy named Frank Relaford, who worked with her at Convair. Frank dated two of Dorothy’s friends, and the last night before he was to report to the service, his current date was busy with a sailor, so he asked Dorothy to be his date.
Dorothy graduated from San Diego High in June 1944, just after she turned 17. While volunteering at the local Methodist church, she went over to Encanto School to run off the bulletin, and found out they needed a school secretary. She was urged to apply, and was back two days later doing her dream job. She continued her correspondence with Frank Relaford while he was overseas. In March of ‘46 Frank returned from service, and Dorothy was the first person he called. They were engaged in August and married on Thanksgiving Day. Frank’s two previous girl friends were bridesmaids at their wedding.
1950s & 1960s - The 50s brought three daughters, Jayne, Nancy and Judy, and three moves as Frank worked his way to becoming a trust officer in Bank of America. Dorothy used her talents to paint stained glass window Christmas scenes and make cakes with camping scenes and in the shape of giant Easter eggs. The family built a house in Casa de Oro and in January 1960 joined Foothills Methodist Church in its little chapel on Campo Road. Dorothy was recruited by the choir the first Sunday they attended. In 1962, Dorothy was the director of Vacation Bible school at the new church on Avocado Blvd and expecting baby number four. A baby shower was planned for her on the last day of VBS, but son Bruce had already arrived, so the girls stood in for Dorothy at the shower. In 1968, Dorothy went back to work as a clerical employee for La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools, where she worked until retiring in 1983.
And Beyond - Throughout her work life and into retirement, Dorothy stayed involved and busy. As a member of El Cajon Valley Gem and Mineral Society, she helped develop the Rock Feast, which she and Frank took all over California and to the County Fair. The Rock Feast is now on permanent exhibit at the Heritage of the Americas Museum at Cuyamaca College. At Foothills UMC, Dorothy sang in the Chancel Choir for 57 years. Even though she had to give up choir on doctor’s orders this past year, Dorothy continued to be active in Monday Prayer Group, Foothills Folks, Reconciling Fellowship, and her Wednesday study group.
During their 62 years of marriage, Dorothy and Frank enjoyed travels throughout the United States, spending times with relatives and friends, and rockhounding trips to the desert in their RV. After Frank’s passing in 2008, Dorothy continued to enjoy her times with friends and family, especially her Foothills family. She always made a habit of welcoming new and returning members to church, and in recent years was proudly involved in the Reconciling Fellowship’s Mission to make Foothills a truly inclusive and affirming spiritual home with “open hearts, open minds and open doors” for all.
At the cusp of 90, Dorothy’s kids and grandkids described her as: Big-hearted, brave, generous, cool, continuously learning, compassionate, “Wise, kind, the glue that binds,” sassy, “badass,” open-minded, fun, loved, and young at heart. Friends found her to be a fun, congenial, wise, and non-judging companion, confidante, and mentor.
Dorothy Jayne Emerson Relaford passed away the evening of January 24, 2018, in Alvarado Hospital after a week surrounded by loving family and friends, including a concert of hymns from members of the choir of Foothills United Methodist Church. Her family have been awed by the outpouring of love and respect for Dorothy from her friends old and new, and deeply appreciate the active kindness and support we have received from her Foothills family. Heartfelt thanks to Foothills UMC Pastor Greg, Pastor Jeanette, Prayer Group, Small Group, Chancel Choir, Reconciling Fellowship, and the entire Foothills congregation; the Alvarado Hospital’s sixth floor nurses and other staff who gave our mother such skilled and compassionate care; her doctors, especially Dr. Zamudio; Cathy Cueva and Reiki Wind; Vitas Hospice; and El Cajon Mortuary. She was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Dorothy’s Life will take place on Saturday, March 10 at 3 p.m. at Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91941, followed by a reception in King Hall. Donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to the Foothills UMC.
(www.dignitymemorial.com)
She is survived by four children: Jayne Relaford Brown (spouse Janice Chernekoff) of Pennsylvania, Nancy Relaford of San Diego, Judy Haberstroh (husband Mark Haberstroh) of La Mesa, and Bruce Relaford (wife Margo Relaford) of San Diego; 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday March 10 at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA 91941. The service will be followed by a reception in King Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorothy’s name to Foothills UMC.
The following biography was read at Dorothy’s 90th birthday celebration in May, 2017: MAY 21, 1927 As Lindbergh crosses the Atlantic, at the stroke of Midnight, on the cusp between Taurus and Gemini, May 20tht or 21st, depending on whether you count her father’s or the doctor’s watch, a little girl is born in a hospital on 7th and G in Downtown San Diego.
1930s - Dorothy Emerson grew up on a hilltop in Encanto, and attended Central Christian church downtown. She went to Encanto Elementary school, where she skipped a couple of grades. In 6th grade she was the student who answered the phone, and transcribed the principal’s letters. She decided then she wanted to be a school secretary. She played piano and then tried all the strings until she got to the string bass, which was her love, and which she played all the way through San Diego High School and in the Community Symphony under director Nino Marcelli.
1940s - During the war, Dorothy served on an aircraft warning post located at the top of her hill, reporting on the planes flying in the area. She loved going to USO and Armed Services YMCA dances with her older friends, and corresponded with many servicemen. At 15 she met her future husband, who was then dating one of her friends, at a community dance. Her friend was dating a guy named Frank Relaford, who worked with her at Convair. Frank dated two of Dorothy’s friends, and the last night before he was to report to the service, his current date was busy with a sailor, so he asked Dorothy to be his date.
Dorothy graduated from San Diego High in June 1944, just after she turned 17. While volunteering at the local Methodist church, she went over to Encanto School to run off the bulletin, and found out they needed a school secretary. She was urged to apply, and was back two days later doing her dream job. She continued her correspondence with Frank Relaford while he was overseas. In March of ‘46 Frank returned from service, and Dorothy was the first person he called. They were engaged in August and married on Thanksgiving Day. Frank’s two previous girl friends were bridesmaids at their wedding.
1950s & 1960s - The 50s brought three daughters, Jayne, Nancy and Judy, and three moves as Frank worked his way to becoming a trust officer in Bank of America. Dorothy used her talents to paint stained glass window Christmas scenes and make cakes with camping scenes and in the shape of giant Easter eggs. The family built a house in Casa de Oro and in January 1960 joined Foothills Methodist Church in its little chapel on Campo Road. Dorothy was recruited by the choir the first Sunday they attended. In 1962, Dorothy was the director of Vacation Bible school at the new church on Avocado Blvd and expecting baby number four. A baby shower was planned for her on the last day of VBS, but son Bruce had already arrived, so the girls stood in for Dorothy at the shower. In 1968, Dorothy went back to work as a clerical employee for La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools, where she worked until retiring in 1983.
And Beyond - Throughout her work life and into retirement, Dorothy stayed involved and busy. As a member of El Cajon Valley Gem and Mineral Society, she helped develop the Rock Feast, which she and Frank took all over California and to the County Fair. The Rock Feast is now on permanent exhibit at the Heritage of the Americas Museum at Cuyamaca College. At Foothills UMC, Dorothy sang in the Chancel Choir for 57 years. Even though she had to give up choir on doctor’s orders this past year, Dorothy continued to be active in Monday Prayer Group, Foothills Folks, Reconciling Fellowship, and her Wednesday study group.
During their 62 years of marriage, Dorothy and Frank enjoyed travels throughout the United States, spending times with relatives and friends, and rockhounding trips to the desert in their RV. After Frank’s passing in 2008, Dorothy continued to enjoy her times with friends and family, especially her Foothills family. She always made a habit of welcoming new and returning members to church, and in recent years was proudly involved in the Reconciling Fellowship’s Mission to make Foothills a truly inclusive and affirming spiritual home with “open hearts, open minds and open doors” for all.
At the cusp of 90, Dorothy’s kids and grandkids described her as: Big-hearted, brave, generous, cool, continuously learning, compassionate, “Wise, kind, the glue that binds,” sassy, “badass,” open-minded, fun, loved, and young at heart. Friends found her to be a fun, congenial, wise, and non-judging companion, confidante, and mentor.
Dorothy Jayne Emerson Relaford passed away the evening of January 24, 2018, in Alvarado Hospital after a week surrounded by loving family and friends, including a concert of hymns from members of the choir of Foothills United Methodist Church. Her family have been awed by the outpouring of love and respect for Dorothy from her friends old and new, and deeply appreciate the active kindness and support we have received from her Foothills family. Heartfelt thanks to Foothills UMC Pastor Greg, Pastor Jeanette, Prayer Group, Small Group, Chancel Choir, Reconciling Fellowship, and the entire Foothills congregation; the Alvarado Hospital’s sixth floor nurses and other staff who gave our mother such skilled and compassionate care; her doctors, especially Dr. Zamudio; Cathy Cueva and Reiki Wind; Vitas Hospice; and El Cajon Mortuary. She was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Dorothy’s Life will take place on Saturday, March 10 at 3 p.m. at Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91941, followed by a reception in King Hall. Donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to the Foothills UMC.
(www.dignitymemorial.com)
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