Obituary of Dorothy Juanita Powell

DOROTHY JUANITA VAN ROSSUM COX POWELL Dorothy Juanita Van Rossum Cox Powell died peacefully Monday, October 20 2014, at the age of 93, with beloved sons Edward and David by her side. Dorothy was born May 18, 1921 in Pacific Grove, CA, to Elizabeth "Eliza" Arana Van Rossum and Grover Van Rossum. Eliza was the daughter of Ramon and Diana Fogg Arana. Dorothy had a rich family history in the Villa de Branciforte area since the arrival of her great great grandfather, in 1834 from Mexico. She grew up in the Seabright area of Santa Cruz and attended Gault School, Branciforte Junior High and Santa Cruz High School, class of 1941. Throughout much of her life she attended Our Lady Star Of The Sea Catholic Church on Frederick Street near the family home on Hanover Street. On May 12, 1941, she married the love of her life Charles Howard Cox, whom she met on the Soquel Bridge over the San Lorenzo River. Dorothy and Charley lived in the house on a lot her grandfather, Ramon Arana, had purchased in 1886. In 1942 their first son, Edward Charles Cox was born, followed by their second son, David Allen Cox, in 1955. Dorothy lost both of her parents at a young age, and the Cox family took her in like a daughter. Many of her favorite memories were from the family holiday festivities at the Cox road ranch. Many years after their divorce, followed by Charley's death, she married John Wesley Powell. In 1960, as a single mother of two sons, Dorothy took a job as a checker at Shopper's Corner. It was here at Shopper's Corner that Dorothy's personal warmth, attention to detail, and great memory for people's names and families won her the love and respect of generations of customers. Dorothy loved her work, her customers and co-workers and once said, "I'm really happy here and working with young people keeps me young!" Many customers would only shop when Dorothy was working so they could visit with her at checkout. When she retired in 2008 at age 87 after 48 years, market owner Jim Beauregard said, "I don't think I'll ever run into another person who has that kind of determination and ambition." Dorothy found great joy in holidays with family, including her four grandchildren, her great granddaughter and most recently her great-great granddaughter. She leaves her son Ed Cox, daughter in law Valerie, granddaughter Margo, great granddaughter Stefania Dodd (Kevin Dodd) and great-great granddaughter Savannah Dodd; She also leaves her son David Cox, granddaughter Chelsea and twin grandsons Matthew and Cameron Cox. Additionally she leaves two sisters, Kay Mazza and Erma Galpin and many nieces and nephews with their extensive families. Also, she certainly she leaves many dear friends from her neighborhoods and from her 48 years of smiles at Shopper's Corner. All will miss her sunny disposition, warm personality and bright soul. Services will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. 1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA on Friday, Oct. 24, 2014 at 2pm with viewing starting at 1pm. A private interment will take place at Pajaro Valley Memorial Park in Watsonville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shared Adventures and Ride A Wave, both local organizations that provide activities for people with special needs.