Dorothy Ann Lex

Dorothy Lex Dorothy Ann (Klusman) Lex, 91, of Chico, CA passed away in the presence of her beloved family on March 20, 2016 at Riverside Point Healthcare and Wellness Center in Chico. The eldest daughter of Anne Veronica and Joseph Klusman, Dorothy was born October 3rd, 1924 in Philadelphia, PA and resided in Oaklyn, NJ. She graduated from Collingswood High School in 1942, enjoyed ice-skating and knitting and was employed as a secretary by the Pennsylvania Railroad. She spent much of her free time with her family and friends in Atlantic City, frequenting the beach, the Boardwalk and Steel Pier. During WWII, Atlantic City teemed with servicemen who were always looking out for pretty ladies. Seaman Raymond Lex of West Allis, WI was no exception, and when he laid eyes on Dorothy just after the war in 1946, he was determined to make her his bride. After a three-year long distance courtship, Dorothy marries her dashing young sailor on June 18th, 1949, and the two fittingly spent their honeymoon at the same beach resort where they first met. The couple made their home, which Ray built himself, in New Berlin, WI where they began to raise their three children: Monica, Gary and Michael. In 1959, Dorothy and Ray moved their young family to Southern California, settling in the city of Orange and Dorothy worked as a library clerk for Orange High School. Summers were packed with family events to enjoy the outdoors usually at the beach or camping in the mountains. A final move to a more rural life-style, the family relocated to the Honey Run Canyon of Chico in 1969. They joined St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ray opened a barbershop, and Dorothy worked as an executive secretary for the Bank of America Trust Department until retirement. Then she took up oil painting and pine needle basketry; she made exquisite baskets for her children and grandchildren who cherish them. Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who took special interest in the achievements of her five grandchildren: Bryan Lex, Michael, Tim, Colleen and Brendan Glynn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, her parents and her sister, Edith Vanek. Dorothy is survived by her daughter Monica Glynn (Richard), sons Gary and Michael Lex, her five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 2pm on Monday, April 18, 2016. Private inurnment will take place at Whispering Pines Cemetery in Portola, CA at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Brusie Funeral Home.