Margie, Greg and family,

Truly sorry to read of your loss.  My recollection of your mom is that of a truly sweet lady.  Again, My sincere  condolences to you and your entire family.

Tom Abercrombie

Myrna, Jay  and Family,

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of you mom.  It's been  since high school days that I had seen her but I still recall what a warm, fun mom  she was.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jim Abercrombie

Dear Friends:  My parents: Harold & Gladys Belmont, were friends with your mother and father and I remember your family very well.  I also remember your grandmother, Mrs. McAdams, as I knew her from my childhood.  When I was relocating from Visalia to Kansas City in the fall of 1999, I took a shuttle to the airport in Fresno.  I was astonished to find two co-passengers on the shuttle, your mother (I can't think of the name of the woman she traveled with) and her friend were on their way to Branson, MO for a vacation.  We enjoyed visiting during the shuttle ride and I thought it very poignant that, as I was leaving Visalia, it would be in the company of long-time friends of my family.  I'm pleased to see that Dorothy lived a long, full life.  I am sorry for your loss.

Carol Belmont McKee (now living in Santa Fe, NM)

We are saddened to hear of Dorothy's passing. We always appreciated her beautiful smile and cheery hello.   It was also nice to know our Mother spent her last days with an old friend.

Your mother and my mother, Barbara Fluetsch Roper, were childhood friends.  They lived across the street from each other on Willis Street.  My mother's apartment was where Smart and Final is now. In the summers my grandmother, Inez, and the two girls would spend the entire summer at the family cabin in Wilsonia.  That way they could avoid the horrid valley heat.  My mother was an only child, and pretty strong willed, so I'm sure my grandmother was grateful to have Dorothy as a companion for her.  My grandfather would take the mountain laundry down the hill on Monday mornings to your grandmother, and then back up the hill on Friday nights after he finished work.  This is a story I have heard my whole life, especially when we were at the cabin.  Always stories about what Mom and Dorothy used to do.  

My mother's family moved from Visalia when she was 9.  I'm unclear whether the trips to the mountains continued after that time or not.  But the stories certainly did.  My family seemed to have lost track of Dorothy.  The cousins knew about her and even knew where she lived but somehow my mother never made contact.  Fast forward to 41 years ago.  I accepted a job teaching at Mineral King School in Visalia, after having grown up in northern California. My grandparents were quite frail at that time and had moved to be near my mother.  So I started asking the remaining relatives about Dorothy but never seemed to get anywhere.  This was frustrating to me.  She was an important part of my mother's life and we couldn't seem to located her.  

Then one day, a few years ago, I saw a class reunion picture and low and behold there was Dorothy McAdams.  I quickly contacted Jane Nash who helped me locate Dorothy at Cambridge House.  I made arrangements to go see her, armed with my grandparent's wedding picture.  I wasn't sure she would be able to connect me to the story but I was hoping she would recognize my  grandparents.  The first thing she said to me was" I never knew your grandmother without gray hair"  She was right.  My grandmother was prematurely grey.  We had a nice visit.  She didn't talk all that much but when she did she shared her memories of my family.  What a gift that was to me!

When my mother came to  Visalia I took her for a visit. Dorothy remembered my mother and they shared some memories.   Dorothy wasn't very talkative but my mom was so pleased to finally reconnect.  

We lost my mom over four years ago so I know what you are feeling and I'm sorry for your loss.  May you be strengthened by the memories you share. I wanted you to know this connection that our families share.  My whole life I had heard about Dorothy and the McAdams family so it was such a treat to  finally meet the real person.

Again, my condolences on your loss.

Marjorie, Greg and family.  I was so sorry to see your Mom 's passing. I remember when you brought icecream to school in your lunch thermos and you would share with me.  She was such a nice lady. Always had a smile on her face and welcome arms when i came over to play.  
With sincere sympathy to you all,
Judy Todd (Janelli)

May God grant you extra measures of strength, hope, and peace.  God bless and keep you.  Our love from Pastor Willweber and Sharon, Our Saviour, Delano, CA

OBITUARY

Dorothy - Reid

December 19, 1919 – October 19, 2012

Miller Memorial Chapel

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