Dorothy Alice Shiells, BHS 1926 ?

Dorothy Alice Shiells, BHS 1926 ?



Ventura County Star (CA) - May 2, 2003


Dorothy Alice Shiells 94 passed away peacefully in her home on April 29 2003.


Dorothy was born in Brooklyn N.Y. on Oct. 23 1908. At a young age Dorothy along with her parents and two other sisters made the long auto journey from West Haven Conn. to Burbank at a time when such trips were measured in weeks not days.


Dorothy grew up in Burbank attended Burbank High School and after graduation enrolled at UCLA where she received two teaching credentials upon completion of her studies in 1930. She was accepted for a teaching position at the old San Cayetano grade school in Fillmore. Dorothy taught there for several years before she met and later married Lester T. Shiells a local rancher. After her marriage in 1933 she devoted herself to being a wife and mother.


During her lifetime Dorothy was active in and president of many organizations including Children's Home Society Ebell Club Business and Professional Women's Club (BPW) Fillmore Republican Women's Club and Soroptomist International. She was a life member of the Ventura County Museum of History and Art and honorary life member of the Convalescent Hospital Auxiliary. Dorothy was a Girl Scout leader for 12 years and a district director for three years. She was selected to sit on the Ventura County Grand Jury in 1965 and accepted that honor with great humility and dignity.


Always involved in one way or another with the best interests of her community in mind Dorothy and her beloved husband Lester gave of themselves in so many ways never seeking recognition for their never-ending donations to the community over the years.


Dorothy was predeceased by her daughter Sandra in 1978 and her husband Les in 1985. She is survived by her son Larry; daughter-in-law Carol; grandsons Ryan and Chad Shiells; and great-granddaughter Isabella Madeline Shiells.


A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday May 5 at Bardsdale Cemetery in Fillmore. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Dorothy's name be made to the Ventura County Children's Home Society an organization Dorothy loved dearly.