Dorothy Rose Filson

Dorothy Rose Filson was born in North Vernon, Indiana on March 27, 1926.  She passed away peacefully in Santa Cruz California, at the age of 96, with her two daughters by her side, on September 5, 2022.  Dorothy will be remembered for her loving kindness.  She always put others before herself and just being in her presence made you feel loved.

Dorothy is survived by her sister, Clare Hummel, daughters Elizabeth Filson and Sally Ussery, and sons Charles, Mark, Paul, and Patrick.  She was so loved and will be missed by her 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Max, her parents Alfred and Bertha Hummel, siblings Robert Hummel, Marie Fry, Cecilia Hummel, and sons Timothy and Vincent.

Dorothy grew up in the small town of North Vernon, Indiana.  During her senior year of high school in 1944 she, along with her best friend, decided to apply for nursing school.  They were accepted at the Nazareth School of Nursing at St. Joseph Infirmary and lived and worked at the teaching hospital for the next few years in Louisville, Kentucky.  Upon completion of her training, she worked at the VA hospital caring for soldiers who had returned from the war.

On Nov 4, 1947, she met her future husband, Max, on a blind date.  One year later to the day, in 1948, they were married.  In the years that followed they raised seven children and eventually moved to Fremont, California.  After her youngest child started school Dorothy re-entered the workforce as a Director of Nursing in a new convalescent facility in Fremont. There she met a lifelong friend, Mary Margaret and they found that they had the exact same birthdate and year.  She continued her education and, in 1979, earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health Services Administration with an emphasis on Geriatrics from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA.  After their children were raised Max and Dorothy moved to Prunedale, California and built their dream home with the help of their sons.  She continued to work as a convalescent hospital administrator in Monterey until her retirement in 1992. She was a natural leader and an active member of the American Businesswomen’s Association (ABWA) throughout her career.

Dorothy was a devoted catholic and a member of the Catholic Daughters and Angela’s Angels.  For as long as she was able to drive, it was not uncommon to find her leading the rosary at many a funeral service in town.

She was an amazing mother and fabulous cook.  She taught her daughters and granddaughters sewing and cooking, making many outfits and projects over the years.  She was an accomplished seamstress, quilter, and knitter and it gave her great joy to give almost all of her crafts away to family and friends.

After Max’s passing in 2000, Dorothy stayed in her home in Prunedale until 2016. Her last years were enjoyed at retirement communities first in Salinas and then in Santa Cruz, CA.  While in Salinas, her natural tendency to leadership led her to serve on the resident council and several committees. She was always involved.

Dorothy spent her life caring for others. As her long life came to its end, it was an honor and privilege for her family to care for her.  She will be forever missed by us all.

Private services will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in North Vernon, Indiana.  She will be buried beside her loving husband, Max, and son, Vincent. In leu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in Dorothy’s name.

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