Dearly departed Doris, Just affirming what you have always known. Your son Jon loved and cared deeply for you. He is a swell man and will keep you proud. I admire the boy you helped raise. Mikebudd 

Well, I guess I knew Doris House for as long as I've known Jon and Laura - almost 50 years.

We met during their "Altadena days" when Doris and Dick lived in the main front house and Jon and Laura each had a detached unit at the back of the yard. I remember thinking, "what cool parents that set their children up with their own units in the back."

It's actually hard for me to reflect on memories of Doris without including Dick, because they were a matched pair. Both were kind and thoughtful and cheerful. Both were always eager to engage in a friendly conversation whenever I'd visit their house. They were informed, insightful and gracious people who listened to your point of view and made you feel welcome in their home. I will always remember that. 

I picture her now reunited with her husband, Dick, able to resume their warm and wonderful connection. 

Dale Okuno



Doris, you were a beautiful, gentle spirit. You took whatever came your way and handled it with grace. I remember when we used to train at my condo, and every now and then you just wanted to have a cup of tea or go for a long walk. You always knew what you needed. In our workouts you communicated how you felt and we made such a good team. 
Our relationship went far beyond workouts. One difficult night with your health, you trusted me enough to call on me for help. I know that was so hard for you to do. I couldn’t tell you, because I knew it wouldn’t make sense, but I was honored to be the one you called on. We traveled to visit Jon and again, I felt honored and protective over you.  You were so special and important to me.  
We went to Hawaii together twice. The first time was a stressful time for both of us but it was also so healing. We watched the sunsets in the evening and the turkeys during the day. You were so independent and so strong. I think you really defined the words “quiet strength”. 
The second time, we had Kris with us and met up with Jon in Hawaii. So much fun (even despite the Tsunami warning on our last night!)  You always managed to go along with the program and do what was needed in such a graceful way. 
I remember when you first got the house you lived your final years in. You were so excited to give me the grand tour. It was so perfect for you. It had everything you needed, both inside and outside.  It was the perfect size and even Tess the cat seemed happy there.  
I remember when you first got Tess and how much joy she brought you. It’s hard to believe she is still here and you are not. You loved Simba my first dog. He was such a big part of our training sessions in those early days. Mac came along later, but by then we weren’t seeing each other as much. Still, when we came to see you in the hospital, you pet him and showed your gentle love toward him in the way you gave your gentle love to everyone who stepped into your life. 

I’ve known Doris yrs ago.She was introduced to me by my friend Tess who at that time was Doris caregiver.Tess needed someone to take her place because she was going home for a vacation.That is how I was able to joined the Doris team as what Jon calls it.                  
      Doris was a kindhearted and loving person that caused me to get closed to her dearly.We had lots of good time together like going to church every Sunday.singing is one of our pass time.Going to grocery store and walking is part of her exercise daily.she loves to eat her dessert.She is easily pleased..I would really missed her sweet smiley face.
        As a caregiver for Doris,you and your family are in my heart and mind.I too missed her so much! She was such an endearing friend.I loved working and caring for her for you and Laura.Heaven has now welcomed her with open arms 

Yes, indeed!  That's the Becky I knew.  Obviously I knew her since I'm one of the bathing beauties in the middle photo.  No idea who took the photo. Maybe, since that's Uncle Bernie's beach, one of my cousins.  I'm pretty sure the girl in the middle was Shirley, another friend of Becky's.  I had a kayak at that time, and I think Shirley tried to step into my kayak and the thing flipped and threw her into the shallow water.  One does NOT step into a kayak.  One sits in it and pulls one's legs in after.
The bottom photo is Becky and Ruthie, I think, before they had to come to Amboy.  Hard to remember or gauge ages.  Ruthie and Becky lived near each other in south Conneaut. Can't give you dates because for the first, I was just a kid, and for the second, I had moved away.  Ruthie and Becky had gone to Farnam school for the first six grades.  It was even smaller than Amboy so, for economic reasons, they closed Farnam and sent the kids either to the grade school at Rowe or to Amboy.  There were only two other girls in the seventh grade at Amboy and I wasn't crazy about either one.  I was delighted when these two splendid girls showed up, and greeted them with open arms.  Obviously the top picture is high school graduation, and the rest had to be before.  I think the doorway  was the doorway of the Lakeville News where Becky worked when I was at the Conneaut News Herald.  Becky was glad to take my place at the Conneaut paper because it was the bigger and more lasting paper  (gone now), paid better and it's where she met Dick. 

Being a caregiver to Mrs. Doris in a short period of time, is a blessing of a experience. Getting to know her I wish we could've met earlier. Even though I met her at her poor condition she was still this light hearted person who loves to crack jokes and passionately sing her favorite songs, which we all enjoyed doing specially whenever we were around her. Overall she had a beautiful soul and she would make you feel like you always want to stick around. I miss giving her a hug and she would try to hug back. Even though she had passed her heart warming memories will remain and may she rest in peace, my condolences to the family and everyone who loved her.

My mother bore, with grace, dignity, and humor, a disease that is decidedly undignified. She rarely complained, although she must have been in some degree of pain and/or distress. Prior to her illness she was intelligent, disciplined, well-spoken, playful, and had a fondness for sweets that she passed along to me (I say this as I consume my second peanut butter cookie of the evening). She instilled in us the importance of education. She instilled in us the importance of taking care of our health (Jon will remember the foil-wrapped assortment of vitamins she kept in the faceted white container—got to admit, I still love taking vitamins!). I wish that she and I could’ve been better friends during her life. And yet, I believe in Divine timing. During her illness, we became good friends. When words no longer meant much to her, we sang together. When she didn’t have the strength to sing, she let me chant softly to her. In the midst of her illness, she was able to find the lucidity to tell me the things I needed to hear in order to be free. I was able to tell her the things she needed to hear in order to be free. For this, I am abundantly grateful. 

Mom, you get to be with family now. You get to be with the love of your life, Dad. You get to be with all of your beloved animals. I wish you so much happiness and love! As I told you during the week that you were preparing to transition: I love you, I’ve always loved you, and I will always love you. ❤️

In almost 2 years of working with mother Doris as her one of Caregivers, she was totally an amazing person,fair,polite,lots of sense of humor,cooperative and a religious person as well.
Seeing her everyday in my shift was an excitement, I never get bored with her  company, she's easy to deal with,esp when I ask her to do her exercises as if she's going to compete in a boxing competition ,I always see a big smile on her face, when I say I am 50% she will win the competition...missed a lot of her jokes..
Being a Caregiver is not an easy job, but mother Doris,was extremely different,she made a difference and brought us joy in our lives, Nikka, Grace and I were not blood related with her but we treated her like our own family .
It's been 3 weeks since she passed away but it's still hard for us to accept she's gone, every day still in our hearts and sometimes we cry especially when we listen to her favorite songs that she was always singing, lot of things about to remember her
Thank you so much Jon and Laura for sharing your mom's life with us and the trust that you entrusted with us, that your mom was always in good hands. Indeed, we had great memories in your mom's journey,rest assured we will cherish all these great memories 
Mother you are our guiding angel,you are our sunshine,please always guide us,especially your Nikka, someday she will reach her dreams 
You'll always be loved, remembered beyond words and missed beyond measure. We love you so much, till we meet again ! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH...❤

I am one of the caregivers of Doris. She’s not biologically related to me, but she stood up like real grandma to me. 

Losing a loved one is like having the rug swept from under you. Doris passed away last Sunday, February 28. My heart was broken into pieces facing the undeniable truth that she already passed away. It’s hard for me to accept the reality but I realize that she’s already in a good place and will no longer feel pain. 

What makes good about Doris is her personality. She’s one of a kind! Doris is a woman with a pure heart, but my favorite about her is she has great sense of humor.  

Doris is way older than me, but I never felt the age gap between us because we never had a dull moment. Doris always know how to vibe with me. We have so much memories together — singing, doing Tiktoks, and making jokes with each other.  What’s amazing about her, she could still remember the lyrics even the song is just new to her. She sings song beautifully. Briefly, there’s just so many memories to keep and reminisce. 

Hi my dear Doris! I know you cannot read this, but I just want you to know that you may be gone from my sight but not from my heart. I miss you and I love you. You’re a good girl I bet ya! — Nikka, your granddaughter/roommate 


Doris was my youngest Aunt in every sense of the word. We lived miles apart but she made sure we stayed connected. Never forgot my birthday and would share the most interesting 'Family Letters' at Christmas. This was the only way of knowing my cousins Laura & Jon. She was so proud of her family and understandably so.
In the 80s I moved to California for 8 years & shared great times with my Aunt & Uncle. 'Chili Cook-off ' meal in Pasadena, Fallbrook countryside she loved & margaritas in Encinitas with Uncle Dick signing. Aunt Doris & Jon smiling to the music  @ our outside dining table.

Our last time shared was a week in Conneaut,  Ohio, her hometown, 2005 for her birthday.  Fall was Doris's favorite season & she made her final trip HOME. All her siblings were gone but it was important for her to reconnect with friends &  revisit Old Stomping Grounds. 

I am so thankful to have so many wonderful memories that I'll cherish forever.  She will always hold a special place in my heart. When the moon in Full I'll look to Heaven & say Hello to My Special Aunt Doris.

Deepest sympathy to Laura & Jon for your loss but I know she will not be forgotten. Hope we can stay connected & continue to make family memories. 


     Aunt Doris was my father's youngest sibling in a large NE Ohio farm family. She is part of some of my earliest childhood memories. I remember her  teaching  my Sunday School class,  the keys on the piano, and how to make a bologna and ketchup sandwich for my first fishing trip with Uncle Dick down at the Farnham  Dam.
     After her family moved West, I always enjoyed her return visits to her home town and to Florida.  We kept in touch and shared life's events over the years and miles.  It was always a special joy see and hear from her.  To me she was ever the teacher, warm and interesting.
     I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to Laura and Jon for your loss. Your mom will be sadly missed but always fondly remembered.      

What an amazing, strong, & resilient woman!  I'm thankful to have known her & see what a wonderful life she has lived.  90 years, untold changes in the world, two kids, and a lifetime of experiences.  Love you Doris!

Doris's life shows that she was a very special woman - beloved as an only daughter, friend, wife, mother, relative, and advocate for creatures and people of all shapes, sizes and colors. She was already elderly when she introduced herself to me as "Becky". From that day forward, her wit, humor, charm & grace made it easy to reminisce and share joyful thoughts with her about that bright "Little Miss Becky Beckwith". Her character also made it easy to see why my partner Jon has been her loving and devoted son.  We have lost a sunny-warm and humble soul. Doris... when we hear the song, "you are my sunshine", or see a vivid sunflower, we think of you. You will be remembered and loved always.

Jon, I know how much you cared for your mother and she cared for you. The best a parent can do is earn the love of a child and your mother certainly did that and more. Here's to a rich and rewarding life.

My mother, Doris Beckwith House passed peacefully around 8:00 AM the  morning of Sunday, February 28th, 2021.

Words cannot express the sadness of this loss. She was a guiding light to me, a source of strength and of kindness. 

I am proud to have been her son and can offer only good memories of my time with her over all of the years....a gentle soul with a huge heart.

In her last months, she had health issues that altered her life dramatically. Through it all, she retained courage, dignity and humor, rarely (if ever) complaining.

As her memory faded  her communication skills were often a challenge.  

Amazingly she could still remember lyrics to long ago tunes and loved to sing "Somewhere, Over the Rainbow", "Puff the Magic Dragon" and "You are my Sunshine"....as well as other classic gems. 

I will forever hear her voice as she hit all the notes with such pure joy. ..

Go well Mother-dear....I love you!   Jon

Mrs House will be missed...so sorry for your loss.  She was the sweetest person and always treated me like part of your family.  I will always cherish the memories of the summer I spent at the Pasadena house.

OBITUARY

Mrs. Doris B House

October 4, 1930 – February 28, 2021

El Camino Memorial - Encinitas

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