Obituary of Dorothy A. Kendzor-Soria

Dorothy Ann Kendzor Soria of Santa Barbara, CA, formerly of Sharon, PA, passed away unexpectedly in her home early Sunday morning, Sept. 2, 2012. She was 51. Dorothy Ann was born on March 8, 1961, in Sharon, a daughter to the late Leonard Kendzor and Doris Litman Kendzor, who survives in Sharon. Mrs. Soria was a member of the Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon. She attended Sharon High School and Santa Barbara City College. Dorothy, affectionately known as Dot, was a resident of Santa Barbara for 34 years. Dot was diminutive in size, but had a big heart. She volunteered with the Braille Institute of Santa Barbara as a mobility and orientation instructor and also taught microwave cooking classes there. She volunteered her time with the Arthritis Association of Santa Barbara, as well, as a PACE (Patients with Arthritis Can Exercise) instructor. Dot was a horticulturist, well-known for her green thumb. She utilized her vast knowledge of plants and flowers as a docent at Madame Ganna Walska Lotusland, a large estate and botanic garden in Santa Barbara, and was in charge of the outreach program, conducting school tours. In the 1990’s, Dot co-hosted the Grateful Grooves radio program, featuring the music of the Grateful Dead, on Ventura’s former station, 95.9, The Octopus, on Sunday evenings. She was a huge fan of music, especially that of Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, the Beatles, Eric Clapton and David Bowie. Dot assisted in her husband’s business, Rod’s Reprographics, until their retirement in June of 2006. Her beloved husband, Rodrigo Soria, whom she married on March 3, 1999, survives at home. Besides her loving husband, she leaves: her mother; three sisters, Evelyn and her husband Dennis Kroko, Tustin, CA; Marilyn and her husband James McKelvey, Brookfield, OH; and Maribeth Dunn, Wheatland, PA; four brothers, Jim Kendzor and his wife Susan, Sharon; Alan, Steve, and Lenny Kendzor and his companion Kathy Faber, all Sharon; twelve nieces and nephews and seven great nieces and nephews; her “adopted” sister, Linda Doheny, Santa Barbara; stepdaughter, Kirsten Soria and step-grandson, Raiden Soria, both Santa Barbara. Dorothy was preceded in death by her father; her sister, Elaine Kendzor; and her brother-in-law, James Dunn; as well as her beloved dogs, Rebel and Toto. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. ************************************************************************ Calling hours: McDermott Crockett Mortuary, 2020 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, from 7 to 9 pm on Thursday, 9/13/12. Service: Mass of Christian Burial in Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon, PA, on Monday, 9/17/12. Burial: Cremation will follow.