Dorris Anna DaPra

DA PRA, Dorris Anna 1925-2011 Dorris Anna Da Pra of Goleta, a beautiful, warm, and loving woman, died in Santa Barbara on October 27, 2011 after a brief illness at the age of 86. Dorris was born in Santa Maria on April 22, 1925 to the devoted parents of Gladys Mary Glenn and John Alfred Anderson. Growing up with her younger sister Marilyn Mae, Dorris attended Cook Street Elementary School and Santa Maria Union High School, graduating in 1942. An accomplished violinist, Dorris played with the school orchestra throughout her high school years. One of her proudest moments was playing with the All Southern California High School Symphony at the Lobero Theater, accompanying the 13 year-old piano soloist, Andre Previn. Dorris married Samuel David Williams, a B-24 pilot in the Army Air Corps on October 23, 1942. The couple lived briefly in both Memphis, Tennessee and Little Rock, Arkansas. The war's end found them back in Santa Maria raising a new family. That marriage ended in 1950. In 1957, Dorris married Rudolph Da Pra from Ishpeming, Michigan, having another son later that same year. Dorris held a number of jobs in Santa Barbara County including the position of switchboard operator at the Telephone Company. She also worked at the Santa Maria Welfare Office before beginning a 32-year career with Raytheon in the security department. While raising her family in Goleta, Dorris enjoyed listening to her favorite music and gardening. She took great pride in the beauty of her house's landscaping, especially her orchids and begonias. An avid cook, she was famous for her delicious cookies, earning the title "The Cookie Lady". Also, her recipe for "Maryland Cream Waffles" is legendary! Upon retiring, Dorris and Rudy traveled throughout the U.S. They also took a trip to Sweden and cruised British Columbia's Inland Passage. Although Rudy died in 1991, Dorris continued life surrounded by the love of her family. She established a wide circle of friends around the city and the country. She was also very passionate in researching her family's ancestry. Dorris volunteered for many years at El Montecito Presbyterian Church. (Her weekly offerings of delicious deviled eggs and tasty chicken wings were greatly appreciated by the church staff!) Dorris was a devoted fan of the Italian singer Andrea Bocelli, traveling twice to Italy to hear her beloved tenor perform under the Tuscan stars. She also developed many long lasting friendships with her fellow "Bocelli Blossoms". As a very loving and empathetic individual, Dorris had a big heart for animals, especially cats. She had many faithful, furry feline friends during her lifetime and she loved each one dearly. Dorris is survived by three sons and a daughter: Samuel David Williams, Bruce Timothy Williams, Cece Moore and Anthony John Da Pra. She was pre-deceased by her young daughter Rebecca Lynn Williams. Through her children she was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Dorris will always be loved by her family and friends. She will truly be missed. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at El Montecito Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorris's name to Res Q Cats (www.resqcats.org) and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (www.bestfriends.org/donate)

Dorris Anna DaPra

April 22, 1925 - October 27, 2011