Dorthy Mae Vendrame

Dorthy Mae Vendrame, 97, of Santa Barbara, passed away on December 12, 2023 surrounded by her family.

Dorthy was born to Clifford and Hazel Mathiasen on June 13, 1926 in Santa Barbara. Dorthy was a life-long Santa Barbara resident, attending elementary school through high school locally.

Dorthy met the love of her life, Jimmie, upon his return from WWII. The two married at Mt. Carmel Church on April 13, 1947. She spent 20 years as a secretary at Santa Barbara Junior High after raising her own three boys. Once retired, Dorthy filled her days playing golf, attending her monthly Italian Wives luncheons, traveling, and dancing with Jimmie. She was always ready to put on her dancing shoes.

Walking along the breakwater became a daily ritual for Dorthy and Jimmie. They made many friends and looked forward to seeing the boats coming in and out of the harbor. After Jimmie’s passing in 2012, harbor walks didn’t feel the same, so Dorthy found herself a new hobby — assembling jigsaw puzzles. Neighbors would stop by daily to say hello and “put in a few pieces” — hours later they’d have to drag themselves away from the puzzle table. She was often referred to as the “Puzzle President” and loved socializing with friends as they stopped by.

Dorthy’s family will remember her as someone who loved being surrounded by others and was always keen to host. She loved having everyone together for holidays and was a phenomenal “hotcake” and pie baker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie. She leaves behind her three sons: Roger (Mary) Vendrame, Greg (Mary) Vendrame, and Doug (Cheryl) Vendrame. Dorthy also leaves behind four grandchildren: Stephanie (Julio) Santana, Brie (Nick) Zentil, Jordon (Kimi) Vendrame, and Jared Vendrame. She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Join us to celebrate Dorthy’s life at an open house at her home on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 12:00 p.m – 4:00 p.m.

With the utmost gratitude, the Vendrame family would like to thank the following people who have gone above and beyond to support Dorthy over the years: Steve and Stephanie, Maggie and Jim, Julie and Rich, Ken, Loretta, Rose, Lisa, and the Tuesday Puzzle Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in Dorthy’s name.

For more info email vantadv@gmail.com