Dorene Ward

May 11, 1930 - February 23, 2019

On Saturday, February 23, 2019, we lost the most amazing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was 88. There are no words to describe the amount of love that poured from her heart.

Dorene Ann Hamilton was born May 11, 1930 to Douglas and Irene Hamilton in Los Angeles, California. In 1948, she graduated from Catholic Girls High School in Los Angeles. On December 1, 1951, she married her wonderful and devoted husband Tom. They moved into the current family home in Torrance in 1956, where they raised their 10 children. She was a long-time parishioner of Saint James Catholic Church.

What Dorene loved most of all was spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed swimming in the ocean and would often take her children to Torrance Beach on warm summer days. She attended innumerable sporting events, school and social functions, not only for her children, but also her grandchildren. Dorene added an enthusiastic touch to the countless gatherings she hosted in her home over the years. Her beautiful mountain getaway located in Mariposa, California was another special place where endless good times were had and fond memories made. She was an avid reader, passionate about politics and a dedicated patriot.

Dorene was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Barbara, and her husband Tom. She is survived by her children, Tom (Jill), Karen (Steve) Henderson, Barbara (Ralph) Vatalaro, Stacie (Jim) Voss, Robert (Shannon), Kristina (Ken) Marckstadt, Sharon, Mary, Michael (Amy), Heidi (Victor) Rossi, 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. May she now rest in the splendor and glory of the eternal life that is promised us.

Services for Dorene are as follows:

• Visitation will be Thursday, March 7th, at 6:00 pm with Rosary following at 7:00 pm at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, 90503.

• Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 8th, at 10:00 am at Saint James Catholic Church, 415 Vincent St., Redondo Beach, 90277.

• Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Ave., Culver City, 90230.

• The Celebration of Life will follow the graveside service. Details to be announced.