Dorothy Jue Lee

Dorothy was born in Ventura, California on August 19, 1934, the third child of Chinese immigrants, Walton and Mary (Lee) Jue.

The first in her family to attend college, Dorothy inspired her younger brothers and sisters to do the same. Dorothy graduated from UC Berkeley with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and went on to earn a master’s degree in the Science of Education at USC.

For 37 years, Dorothy devoted herself to education. Working with Hueneme and Ventura Unified school districts, she served as an elementary school teacher, a vice principal, and a summer school principal. Her accomplishments as an educator were well acknowledged through many awards and honors, including the ROSE Award in 1991 from USC, given in recognition of her outstanding service to education.

Dorothy also helped with the family business, the former Jue’s Market on East Main Street in Ventura. Outside of school hours, from the time the store opened in 1946 until the day the family gave up the business in 2000, Dorothy could be found helping customers in her red apron. She knew everyone by name and the schools their children attended. She could talk about the history of Ventura, politics, or the prospects of her favorite teams: the Cal Bears, the USC Trojans, and the Denver Broncos with her favorite quarterback, Peyton Manning.

Inquisitive and with a sharp mind, Dorothy’s interests and commitments were numerous and varied. For 46 years, she was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a society devoted to the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. She served on the California State Board of Education, the California State Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation, and as president of the USC School of Education’s Alumni Association. A patriot through and through, she was also active in the Reserve Officers Association Ladies Club.

Dorothy enjoyed exploring new things and traveled extensively. She journeyed to China with her extended family to visit her ancestral village, indulged in Vegas trips with her sisters, and cruised around the world with members of the KVTA Morning Show, a local radio program. Hawaii was her second home, and she spent much of the year there. She loved the food and the island ambience. She would spend hours on the verandas rocking in her chair and appreciating the scenery.

Many people will remember her as a generous spirit who enjoyed mailing gifts to loved ones and bringing party favors to celebrations big and small. She never forgot a birthday and especially enjoyed the holidays, adorning Jue’s Market and her home with an impressive collection of decorations.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Roderic Lee; daughter-in-law, Maggie (Parra) Lee; and siblings, Daisy (Jue) Yang, Ed Jue, and Jeanne (Jue) Wong. She was preceded in death by her parents Walton and Mary Jue and her siblings May Jue, Gene Jue, and Allen Jue.

Memorial tributes may be made to the Dorothy Jue Lee Memorial, Ventura High School Alumni Foundation, 2 North Catalina Street, Ventura CA 93001.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.