Dorothy Irene Pack

Dorothy Irene Pack, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 100 years old.

Born on May 22, 1925, in Los Angeles, California, Dorothy was raised in Santa Ana by her parents, Jennie and Robert Garner. She graduated from Santa Ana High School in 1943.

On February 3, 1945, she married Virgil Clyde Pack. The two first crossed paths during World War II, while Virgil was serving in the Navy at the Lighter-Than-Air Blimp Base in Santa Ana. At that time, Dorothy was active in a women’s church group that prepared refreshments for servicemen. It was at those gatherings that she and Virgil met.

They made their home on a citrus ranch in Santa Ana, where they raised their daughter, Linda, and son, Robert. Later, they settled in Mission Viejo, California, during the community’s early

development.

Dorothy devoted 35 meaningful years to working at Carl Harvey School in Santa Ana, where she served as a therapy assistant, nurturing and assisting children with physical disabilities. She touched countless lives before retiring.

She was fun and energetic, bringing joy to everyone around her. Dorothy had a way of making people feel like family—greeting each person with kindness and care, and leaving them wrapped in love.

Adventurous and lighthearted, she enjoyed traveling, hosting tea parties, playing games with family and friends, and gathering with her loved ones.

One of her favorite pastimes was preparing her famous pumpkin bread, chicken enchiladas, and signature casseroles to share with others.

Dorothy faithfully remembered the birthdays of everyone she knew by sending them a greeting card that conveyed how special each person was to her. She also took great delight in giving playful joke gifts and sharing in the laughter as recipients opened them.

She leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family, compassion for others, generosity of spirit, and a life well lived.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Linda Mensick (Bob) and Robert Pack (Terri); her grandchildren, Lisa Mensick-Gutierrez (Al), Debi Trapani (Pete), Julie Magner (Ryan), and Jeff Pack (Kim); her 13 great-grandchildren; and her 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial & Graveside Services

Waverly Chapel

Saturday, September 20, 2025 – 1:00 PM

Fairhaven Memorial Park

1702 Fairhaven Ave.

Santa Ana, CA 92705