Dorothy Velma Drews

Dorothy Velma Drews died peacefully January 20, 2020 in Portland, Oregon at the age of 96. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Drews.

Dorothy was born in Melrose, Iowa on May 30, 1923 and grew up in Pueblo, Colorado with two brothers, Ralph and Leo, and one sister, Marjorie. The family moved to Englewood, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, when Dorothy was about twelve years old. Dorothy attended high school there but left to work in the war effort at an airplane plant, later getting her GED in Portland. After the war Dorothy held several jobs in Los Angeles, including Macy’s Department Store, in the Candy Department, where she had an opportunity to see many of the Hollywood movie stars. She met and married Leon Drews in 1946 in Santa Barbara. The couple then relocated several times, taking their trailer with them to various jobs. In 1951 they moved to Lake Oswego, Oregon and daughter, Jennifer, was born shortly thereafter. The family then relocated several more times; all the while Dorothy was a stay- at- home mom. In 1961 construction was started on a home in north east Portland, Oregon, and they moved into it in 1962, along with a little, black poodle named Bobbie. Her husband opened a sheet music business in the Hollywood district, and Dorothy assisted him in its operation. Her husband retired in 1975, and Dorothy was very involved in his care until he passed away in 2004.

Dorothy filled her life with church, civic duties, and garden club. She was very active in her church, Gateway Church Portland, which she and her husband joined in 1963, participating in Bible Study, Sunday school, and later, Widow’s Group.

Villa Garden Club was also a big part of her life. She was a member of Villa for over 30 years. She was also an Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener since 1978. She dearly loved her flowers and gardening.

In 2014 daughter, Jennifer Drews, moved from California to share the house with her mother. She remained with her mom until the end.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Drews; nephew Rodney Gott and wife Mary; and sister-in-law, Mary Gott.

Memorial services will be held February 8, 2020 at 1:30 PM at Gateway Church Portland, 13300 N. E. San Rafael St., Portland, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to Snowcap Community Charities, P. O. Box 160, Fairview, Oregon 97024.

Dorothy had a mind full of curiosity, a heart full of love, and a willingness to help with whatever

needed doing. She will be missed.