Dorothy Zita Brunton

Dorothy Zita Brunton (Gorry), was born February 13, 1929 in New Jersey and raised on Staten Island, NY.

When Dorothy was six years old, she ran out into the street chasing a ball and got hit by a car. She sustained various injuries, including breaking all of her ribs. Luckily, she survived and grew up to be a genuine, generous and kind person. She was a magnificent wife and loving Mother.

She attended grammar school, high school, and a year of college. She took 3 years of Latin and was well versed in the English language. Dorothy’s first job was as a secretary on Wall Street for a lawyer named Mr. Cooley. During this period in her life, she had many fun times with friends and went on many vacations. One of her special memories from growing up was that her Aunt Josephine took her every year for her birthday to see the New York City Rockettes.

She also enjoyed going to dances. It was at a dance at the Officers club on Governor’s Island, where she met her husband of 60 years, Bill Brunton. They had a 15-month courtship followed by a beautiful wedding at Sacred Heart Church on Staten Island.

Dorothy’s parents retired in San Diego and her siblings had also relocated there. She wanted to raise her family near them, so in 1959, Dot and Bill headed West to California with their two children Billy and Susan. Shortly upon arrival their son Matthew was born. Dorothy continued working as a secretary for a company in San Diego called Convair. She worked hard and saved money so she and Bill could purchase a house.

Dot resigned to become a stay at home mother upon the birth of her fourth child, Kathleen. She thoroughly enjoyed being home with her children. She did side jobs like ironing the neighbor’s clothes for extra money. Her mother Katherine frequently helped her with the children. Dot’s fifth child, Steven was born and a short fifteen months later her last child, Scott came along. Dorothy dedicated her life to her children. She and Bill worked hard to send them to Parochial school where they would get a faith filled education.

Dot and Bill spent the majority of their years taking the kids to the beach on the weekends, camping, going on picnics, and attending the children’s sporting events. They even took a trip cross country back home to New York with all six kids in tow.

Dorothy was an avid reader and she loved going to plays and movies. She and Bill joined the Knights and Ladies of Columbus as well as the Alhambra and Lay Pastors Society. They spent many years devoting their time to helping others. They loved going on bus trips to Las Vegas and Laughlin sponsored by their parish. Dorothy was a devout Catholic and devoted time as an extraordinary minister giving communion to the sick and the elderly.

Dorothy was a selfless woman. She always made an effort to help those around her. While her brother Matt was in the Navy she wrote him letters everyday so he would have mail from home. When her Mother became sickly she took her into her home and dedicated 12 years to caring for her.

Dorothy loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. During the holidays she and her three siblings, Matthew, Roberta, and Carol, took turns hosting the family get togethers. She had a million laughs with them, their spouses, and her numerous nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was very proud of her Irish heritage, and jokingly told her children their Irish half was their best half. She loved her family very much and helped every one of them in different ways throughout her life…giving advice, babysitting, loaning money out, etc.

During the summer, Dot and Bill would go away for a few months to Vermont where Bill had spent his childhood summers. It was a very special and relaxing time for them.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband William “Bill” Brunton and her son William “Billy” Brunton Jr. She is survived by her 5 children, 3 sons and daughters in law, 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She held everyone closely in her heart.

She was especially loved by her sister in law Roberta “Bobbie” Gorry, who Dorothy loved deeply and considered her sister, her very good friend Mary Hobek, with whom she shared a close friendship with for over 60 years, and Pat and Adam Volk who spent so much time sending Dorothy letters, praying for her, and always visiting her. A special thanks to those who cared for Dorothy at Grossmont Gardens during her last years of life.

We were extremely blessed to have Dorothy in our lives all these years. Everyone who knew her grew to love her.

Softly the leaves of memory fall,

Gently I gather and treasure them all.

Unseen, unheard,

You are always near,

So missed, so loved, so very dear.

Colin Godon-Farleigh

We love you Mom and will dearly miss you.