Dorace was born July 23, 1923 to Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Neal Cain in Llano, Texas. Dorace was a performer in the best senses of the word: entertainer and one who gets the job done. After graduating from Texas Woman’s University in Speech and Drama, and studies at American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she starred in the first off-Broadway production of “The Country Girl.” Small wonder for a girl whose pre-teen visits to her grandparents’ ranch would find her on top of their windmill acting out her self-created one-woman shows.
Her foray into more conventional business included a role as Director of PR for the Houston Bar Association and its magazine editor. Her creative outlets then were television and stage writer/director/actor, children’s book author, artist, interior designer, and gourmet cook (authoring a cookbook on onions entitled “No Tears”).
In 1978, she found her life’s calling: she hosted a luncheon in her home for 20 close friends to share her dream of The Cancer League-a group of volunteers to raise funds for research, education, and service to people with cancer-a dream that has grown a phenomenal 100-fold. Two thousand volunteers now constitute The Cancer League, helping patients and their families at St. Joseph’s, Texas Children’s, M.D. Anderson, Ronald McDonald House and other institutions. The league has raised more than $6.4 million for the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer Center, Nellie B. Connally Breast Cancer Center, the Periwinkle Foundation for Children with Cancer, and Camp for All, a camp for chronically ill and disabled children.
Dorace was co-founder and president of Houston School for the Deaf Auxiliary, was a life member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (International Committee Captain for 3 years) and a Group Leader for Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church.
Other beneficiaries of her beneficence are American Cancer Society (VP for 4 years) Terry Fox Run (4 years), Sheltering Arms Senior Services, Alzheimer’s Day Centers, and Houston Repertory Theatre (co-founder).
A CCFA Woman of Distinction, Dorace assured her legacy by producing the very first social fundraiser for cancer research in Houston. What magnificent beanstalks she has planted.
Dorace is survived by her brothers, Doug and James, son Alan, daughter Connie and her husband Larry, grand-daughter Natalie, and great-grand-daughter Lauren.
Please join the family for Dorace Allais’ “celebration of life” Thursday, June 27, 2 PM, at the Chapel of St. Basil, University of St. Thomas, 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006. A reception immediately following the celebration will be held in the Ahern room in Crooker Center on the St. Thomas campus. True to Doraces’ nature, please dress colorfully.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers memorials be made in remembrance of Dorace to Cristus Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research, 10301 Stella Link Rd, Ste A, Houston, TX 77025. Donations are tax deductible.
The family would like to specially thank team 503 at Vitas Hospice for their loving care towards Dorace.
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