Dorothy Anne Chipchase Sechrist

Daughter of Anna Evelyn Smith and Calvert Graham Chipchase. A lifelong resident of Sacramento and member of Sacred Heart parish, died following an extended decline. Dorothy was born at Children's Hospital in San Francisco. She is survived by eldest son Earl III (Victoria) and daughter Terry; pre-deceased by husband, Edwin Earl Sechrist Jr. (Earl) and youngest son, Tom. Survived by Craig, Sechrist, Chipchase, Archbold and Smith nieces and nephews. Dorothy attended St. Francis Elementary School in Sacramento; graduate of Holy Names High School in Oakland and UC Berkeley (Class of '41) with a BS degree in Business Administration. Dorothy was a lifetime member of Delta Zeta Sorority (Sacramento Chapter). Following college, Dorothy became the first female safety engineer/inspector of any insurance company for Associated Indemnity Corporation. She was appointed to oversee and prevent industrial accidents in shipbuilding plants, commercial offices and factories in the San Francisco area and held this post for several years. Dorothy married in April 1947 and relocated to North Fork, CA where Earl was stationed with the U.S. Forest Service and oversaw management and fire prevention of the Sierra National Forest. Dorothy and Earl returned to Sacramento in 1950 where they raised their family. Dorothy taught Kindergarten for many years at Bowling Green Elementary School. The family cherishes memories of a lifetime of holidays, beach vacations, and parties with dear friends and neighbors. Dorothy was an accomplished pianist who imparted a love of music (especially musicals) to her children and students. In retirement, Dorothy enjoyed travel and gatherings with extended family and friends, and reunions with Earl's former Navy associates assigned to the USS Bush destroyer during WW II. The family is thankful for visits and support from friends, her parish community and extended family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy's name to Sacred Heart Elementary School, located at 856 39th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816, for scholarships. Attention: Theresa Sparks ([email protected]). Private family burial took place at St. Mary's Cemetery. A memorial Mass and celebration of her life was held at Sacred Heart Church (39th and J) on Friday, May 10th at 10 a.m.