Obituary of Dorothy May Duclos

 Dorothy was a long-time resident of Amador County. She passed away July 7, just days short of her 96th birthday. She was born July 25, 1927, to Frank Perrine and Anna May Woodward in Rolla, North Dakota. She loved and spoke often of her farm life as a young girl in her beloved Turtle Mountains, she told many stories and tales of adventure during her young years on the farm. Moving to California in 1939 her family settled in Elk Grove, where she graduated from E.G. High and developed many friendships that would endure over the course of her entire life. Dorothy married Rene F. Duclos on September 25, 1957, and continued to live in Elk Grove as Rene would run ‘Frenchies Drive-in’ for the next several years. She developed an early interest in birds that eventually led to her raising parakeets, and later canaries, in outdoor aviaries that her family had built. She loved her birds and would pursue this hobby for years, she was a well thought of bird keeper in local, and Sacramento, bird culture circles. She had an appreciation for nature, all living things and all its wonders, that she instilled in her family.

      In 1965 Rene and Dorothy bought 'Galli’s Drive-in’ and moved to Jackson with their three sons. They ran, and both worked at the drive-in for many years. Galli’s was where the present day ‘Vinciguerra Ravioli Co.’ now resides. Many will remember Dorothy, kind and good natured, she was a part of many made memories there for the local youth. Kids cruising through the drive with their hot rods of the day, parking and just hanging out, Dorothy handing out their cheeseburgers, fries, maybe a cherry coke or a shake, with a smile or a pleasant word. She dearly loved to shop, her granddaughters would tell you she was quite a clothes shopper, with that 'shop till you drop’ pace, it took a lot to keep up with grandma during those shopping adventures, especially when the sales hit! She enjoyed making framed dried pressed flower arrangements, sewing, knitting, and she loved her potted house and patio plants. In later years she enjoyed crocheting, beanies, scarves, and neck gators for all. Family, friends, it didn’t matter, whoever could use something to stay warm in the winter she was happy to oblige. She kept us all warm, and warm in so many ways. Dorothy was the family matriarch, the keeper of all thing’s family. No matter her first born or a third cousin, she recorded events, loved, and watched over us all, strengthening the fabric of family. And for all these things we are forever grateful for having her. 

   Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers Frank and Jim, and daughter in law’s Robin and Cheril.  She is survived by her husband Rene of 65 years, her sons, Larry (Judy), Robert, and Ronald. Her grandchildren, Erika (Chad) Simmons, Paula (John) Giannini, Lacey (Jerod) Watson, Megan (Hunter) Marksberry, Jamie (Robert) Greathouse, and Kit Duclos. Great grandchildren, Catie and Charlie Simmons, Chloe Giannini, Maverick and Cash Watson, Clayton, Austin, and Coleman Greathouse, Jackson Toth, Mia and Ace Marksberry.

 Dorothy achieved her goals, she was a devoted wife, a great mother, grandmother, and ‘GG’. She'll be loved, remembered, and missed.

 There will be a mass service, 10:00 a.m. July 25, 2023, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ione, Ca.  After mass graveside service, Sunset View Cemetery, 10200 Hwy. 88 Jackson, Ca.  Reception after graveside, Sacred Heart Church Hall, Ione, Ca.