Ms. Dorothy Jeanette Gamble Corrales-Jackson

     Many things can be said about Dorothy Jeanette Corrales-Jackson. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Dorothy was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

      Her parents were Harry and Enid Gamble. Dorothy was raised in San Leandro, California. When she was young, Dorothy's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Dorothy demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

     As a young girl, Dorothy was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Dorothy could easily relate to other kids. She was a member of Jobes Daughters. In her spare time she liked crossword puzzles, scrabble, drawing, coloring and jigsaw puzzles. However, to Dorothy, the most fun to be had was simply spending time with her family and many friends.

     During her high school years, Dorothy had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She graduated from San Lorenzo High School in 1956. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Dorothy had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Dorothy was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Dorothy as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Miss. Braden.

     Always considered a “good” friend, Dorothy sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Dorothy always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Dorothy’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Dorothy would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Dorothy was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. While growing up, some of her best friends were Steve Loustalet and Julie up the street.

      Compassionate and devoted, Dorothy worked hard to make her family happy. By trusting her emotions, Dorothy did her best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Dorothy was truly a person of empathy.

     Dorothy’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Dorothy shared these values with her daughter, Angelita Enid Corrales. Dorothy was also blessed with two grandchildren, Benjamin and Bobby. Dorothy related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.

     Dorothy experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was homemaker. However, she was employed for 5 years at Aetna Life Insurance. Dorothy always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Dorothy took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Dorothy was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Dorothy continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

     Because she was organized and methodical, Dorothy took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were crosswords, baking, board-games and buying porcelin dolls for her Angel. Dorothy enjoyed sharing her passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

     Dorothy derived much satisfaction from sports. Recreational sports included wheelchair racing down Foothill Blvd. to Walgreen's. Dorothy was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were horse racing and bull riding.

     Though she never did anything solely for individual recognition, Dorothy was given accolades for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. If the truth were known, Dorothy was always a little uncomfortable with being singled out for recognition. Some of her most cherished awards included a Book Club Award, for reading the most books.

     Dorothy enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Dorothy were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Santa Cruz and the cabin at Paradise Park.

     Dorothy was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Among her favorites were Muffy, Lhasa Apso, Dusty her cat and Dutchess her German Shepherd. They were best friends for Muffy, 14 years and Dutchess, 10 years. Her family was rounded out by her German Shepherd Dutchess, horse Boots, MaMa cat and horse Bunkey.

      Being the focused and organized person that she was, Dorothy had taken care to plan for this part of her life. When that time eventually arrived, Dorothy knew exactly what she wanted to do. Her new life involved relocating to Hayward California. In retirement, she found new pleasure in baking pinaapple upside down cakes. Even in retirement, Dorothy continued to stay in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

     Dorothy passed away on July 16, 2009 at Eden Medical Center of Cancer. She is survived by daughter, Angelita, her grandson Benjamin and daughter in law Elizabeth and her other grandson Bobby and daughter in law Erika. Dorothy also had two great grandchildren Selena and Labella. She is also survived by her cousin Mary and her cousin Lea Rae. Services were held at Guerrero Mortuary. Dorothy was laid to rest in Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward, California.

     Throughout her life, Dorothy was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Dorothy leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Dorothy Jeanette Corrales-Jackson.