Dora Marie Andersen Mortensen, age 93, passed away November 21, 2011 in Manteca at Manteca Care and Rehabilitation Center. Dora was born on January 22, 1918 in Manteca when the population of Manteca was barely 500. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Stanley Mortensen; her parents Bertha and Jens Andersen; her brother Andrew Andersen; and her son-in-law, Dick Willey.
Dora is survived by her daughters, Karen Tarte (Don) of San Diego and Doris (James) Carlson of Stockton. She was blessed with four grandchildren; Craig (Ann) Willey of New York, NY, Cheryl (Rob) Robertshaw of Palos Verdes Estates, CA, James (Janet) Carlson of Chapin, SC, and Jason (Emily) Carlson of Seattle, WA; nine great grandchildren, Jack, Frank and Katherine Willey of New York, NY, Leslie and John Robertshaw of Palos Verdes Estates, CA, Hannah Carlson of UNC Charlotte, NC, Patrick Carlson of NY, Oliver, Linda and Oscar Carlson of Seattle, WA.
Dora loved club work and enjoyed being a leader by supporting and serving in organizations in the community of Manteca for decades. She was in 4-H Club, past president of Native Daughters of the Golden West (also past Grand Deputy), Girl Scout Area Council, past president Manteca Women’s Service Club and Manteca Federated Women’s Club. Dora was a member of Rainbow Girls (also Board Member), 50 year member of both Manteca Eastern Star and Stockton Philomathian Club. She organized the Pink Ladies Auxiliary at Doctor’s Hospital of Manteca and served twice as Auxiliary President. Dora was a Charter member of the Manteca Historical Society and served on its Board as a Director. In March 2008, Dora and Stanley (posthumously) were recognized by the Manteca Historical Society with an Award of Appreciation for their lifetime of support.
Throughout their married life, Dora and Stanley traveled all over the world, took 13 cruises, many with their children and families. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest joy. In 1998, Dora and Stanley moved to Bayside Landing in Stockton to be closer to their daughters and in October 2010 Dora moved to The Commons at Union Ranch in Manteca. Dora was a lady of uncommon determination, kindness and strong character. Her kindness, thoughtfulness and endless love of her family will live on in their hearts forever.
Services for Mrs. Dora Mortensen are under the direction P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 2pm to 4pm at PL Fry & Son. A private family graveside service will be held at Park View Cemetery, 3661 E. French Camp Road, Manteca on December 5th.
In loving memory of Dora, please send donations to The Manteca Historical Society, P.O. Box 907, Manteca, CA. 95336. An online tribute wall is available for condolences and special messages at www.plfryandson.com. (Search Obituaries)
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Thursday, December 1, 2011