Dorothy Marie Macpherson

Dorothy Marie, also known as (Dot) was born on March 18, 1924, to Richard and Nellie Clark in San Diego, CA. Dorothy had three brothers Stanley, Vernon, and Jim, along with her sister Irene. Her siblings all preceded her in death. Her father was a Master Carpenter and Contractor and would renovate and build Craftsman bungalow homes, then sell them for a profit. Dorothy grew up in National City and would tell stories about the farm next door where she would ride the horses and help care for the farm animals. Dorothy was gifted with musical talent, taking tap dancing lessons, and enjoyed singing.

During the Great Depression when work was difficult to find, her parents moved the family to Montana to find work and live closer to family. However, after a year of living in the cold, they moved the family back to San Diego. Later her family moved to Lincoln Street where she met a handsome young man next door, James Macpherson, also known as (Bud) who would change her life forever. Their first date was Prom. After high school, Dorothy attended San Diego City College to learn secretarial skills. Then World War II began and though they fell passionately in love, Bud refused to marry Dot until he returned from the war, not wanting to leave her as a widow. While Jim was stationed in the South Pacific, she moved to Northern California to live with her sister Irene and two daughters Kathleen and Charlene, while her husband Charles was also serving in the war. She worked as a secretary for a large company in San Francisco. After the war, she returned to San Diego and worked as a secretary for a large defense corporation.

Upon returning from the war, James entered San Diego State College (now SDSU). Bud went on the waiting list for Medical School and took pre-med classes, but after waiting several years, got his bachelor’s degree. Dot married Jim at the Kensington Community Church on August 10, 1947. They waited seven years before starting their family. They lived in an upstairs apartment until after their first child, Linda, was born in 1954. Dot left the job as an executive secretary to stay home with her family. One year after her first child was born, they purchased their first and only home. One year after they moved into their home their second daughter, Bonnie, was born. Two years later they welcomed their son Greg. Three years later, they had their third daughter, Janet, and two years later their fourth and last daughter, Robin.

Over the years, the family enjoyed going on vacations to Santa Rosa, Big Bear, Idyllwild, and various National Parks. Dottie was quite the organizer and never forgot a birthday or anniversary. Being of Scottish descent, Jim learned to play the bagpipes from a close friend, John Rosenberger and joined the Cameron Highlanders Pipe Band. Their daughters learned highland dancing, and their son played the drums. The family participated in band and dance competitions traveling up and down the California Coast to the Highland Games. The girls took piano lessons with a neighbor up the street, which also required hours of practicing. 

Jim worked for approximately 15 years in the Aerospace Industry as a Cost Estimator for General Dynamics and Ryan/Rohr Industries, but after experiencing a few layoffs, he attempted to transition into Real Estate, which did not pan out. After a long layoff, Dottie made the decision to get recertified in her stenographer skills. She landed a terrific job with the City of La Mesa as a Stenographer/Clerk with the Housing & Redevelopment Departments. She excelled at her job but managed to care well for her large family. Dottie eventually worked her way up as Executive Secretary to the City Engineer. Later Jim decided on a second career with the Post Office as a carrier and collections driver. 

Her eldest daughter Linda married Michael Matheny. Her second daughter Bonnie preceded her in death in 2006. Her son Greg married Sheila. Her third daughter Janet married Rick Johnston. Her fourth daughter Robin married Roland Ramon.

Dorothy has 14 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren: Jennifer married Jason Gill and they have two children Keaunna who married to Troy Brown and has two children Bambi and Clayton. Wesley and girlfriend Gwen have a son Vance Ledger. Michael Jr. has three children- two with Melissa Inscho, Nathaniel, and Shayla, and one with Sarah Clark, Gabriel. The second twin Mark has one child with Morgan Matheny, Memphis. Their youngest daughter Kristi married Donnie Buttrell and have four children, Dustin, Heather, Dakotuh, and Roseline. Dot’s son Greg married Sheila and had two children James (Kimo) married to Courtney have two boys Jack and Elliot. Daughter Keri married Steve Diaz II and have two children Steven III and Kalea. Janet married Rick and had four children: Heather married Joe Collingsworth, Charles married Hannah, Jenna, and Robbie. Robin married Roland Ramon and they have four children. Ryan, Matthew (Matt), Jon, and Megan married Frank Trezza and have two boys Anthony and Luca.

Dot and Jim were active in their faith. They attended the La Mesa United Presbyterian Church for more than 30 years. Dot was a deacon in the church and would help wherever needed. Later when their church closed, they transitioned to Palisades Presbyterian Church and attended for many years, Dorothy was always doing for others, setting a good example. She helped Linda care for her daughter Bonnie, during Hospice during 2005-2006 prior to her passing. She cared for Jim, dressing his wounds during his declining years, until dementia became more advanced.

When they retired, Jim and Dot traveled to Europe three times and went to Windsor Castle, Scotland to visit Edinburgh, and the Macpherson homeland, Cluny Castle. She loved taking the family to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, along with the annual vacations, trips to the beach. What made Dot the happiest was spending time with Jimmy, right up to the end! 

Dorothy exemplified a woman of grace, patience, and integrity and was an example of a Christian wife, mother, and loyal caregiver to her beloved husband of 75 years Jimmy who passed in June of 2022. Dorothy passed surrounded by love and family on June 19, 2024, over 100 blessed years old.