Dolora Dean Bernstein

Dolora Dean DeWeese Bernstein, lovingly known as Bubbe to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and Dean to many of her friends, passed away peacefully in Huntington Beach, California, on September 26, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born in Covel, West Virginia, Dolora grew up in the coal-mining town of Wyco. She was raised with love, strong family values, and an extraordinary work ethic. From an early age, she was an avid reader and famously read every book in her school library—many of them more than once. As a teenager, she worked at the Five and Dime and later at the local theater, walking six miles home in the dark after late-night shifts. As she would simply say, “It was just the way of life.”

At five years old, Dolora fractured her pelvis in a childhood accident and spent months in a full-body cast. The kindness of the nurses who cared for her—including painting her tiny fingernails to cheer her—left a lasting impression. Their compassion inspired her lifelong calling to become a nurse.

Through determination and hard work, Dolora became a Registered Nurse and went on to have a distinguished career as a nurse leader, ultimately serving as Director of the Operating Room at Anaheim General Hospital and Manager of the Operating Room at Garden Grove Medical Center.

In 1952, Dolora married the love of her life, Martin “Marty” Bernstein. Together they raised three children, Sharon, Gary, and Marc. Their family eventually settled in Southern California, where Dolora built a life filled with family, friendship, faith, food, travel, and love.

Dolora was a wonderful cook and gracious hostess whose table was always overflowing with food. She loved traveling, especially the cross-country road trips she and Marty took together. After retiring from nursing in 1995, she traveled to Alaska and the Caribbean with her longtime friend Anita “Nicky” Bean. She also found great joy in quilting with her dear friend Annette McGuire, creating beautiful quilts that remain treasured by her family.

But Dolora’s greatest joy was her family.

She adored her grandchildren—Rachel, Joel, and Joshua—whom she lovingly called her “Sugars.” In her later years, she was completely enchanted by her four great-grandchildren, Teagan, Kenley, Kade, and Chase, and treasured their visits.

Dolora was a strong woman who had faced much in her 95 years. Yet beneath that strength was a gentle, loving heart. She was the center of her family, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Dolora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Martin; her daughter, Sharon; her parents, Harvey and Alta DeWeese; and her sisters, Emily and Ellen.

She is survived by her sons, Gary and Marc and their families; her grandchildren; her great-grandchildren; and the many friends and family members whose lives she touched.

Bubbe, you were the center of our lives.

You will be forever loved.