In Memory

Dorothea 'Dolly' Ashcroft (McDonald) - Class Of 1944 VIEW PROFILE

Dorothea 'Dolly' Ashcroft (McDonald)

Dorothea 'Dolly' Ashcroft McDonald, 88, gently passed away at her home in Chico, California, July 3, 2015. Dolly was born in Pasadena on January 13, 1927 to Charles and Miram Burgess Ashcroft. Growing up in Pasadena, one of Dolly's fun childhood memories was playing with Shirley Temple while on a visit to Palm Springs.

It was in high school that Dolly met James 'Jim' McDonald (SPHS '43). After Jim was honorably discharged from the US Navy, they married in 1947. Dolly and Jim were married 58 years. Dolly was a devoted, caring and loving wife all along the way until Jim passed in 2005.

Dolly began teaching while she and Jim lived in Davis, California. She received her teaching credential from CSU Chico. She taught in Paradise before spending most of her career in Chico at Jay Partridge Elementary. It was there she developed ever lasting friendships. She also taught in Arcadia and Chapman Elementary in Chico and "chalked" up over two decades teaching before retiring in 1988. As an educator, Dolly loved following and teaching her students about NASA's Space Program. She was thrilled and proud when given custodial responsibility for a large moon rock to share with her students. She was happy to slip into a genuine NASA spacesuit.

One of Dolly's favorite places was the Mendocino coast and especially the Little River Inn. Many wonderful visits and celebrations were held at LRI. It's where Dolly and Jim spent their 25th wedding anniversary. She made many friends at LRI and loved sharing Little River with her family.

Dolly is survived by her children, Steve (Donna) McDonald of Chico; Doug (Lori) McDonald of Paradise; and Luann (Brad Parker) McDonald of San Luis Obispo. Dolly was Nana to her grandchildren Christy (Devin) Powning and Richard (Amanda) McDonald; along with great-granddaughters Bailey Powning and Gabriella McDonald. Dolly was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; and her brother, Charles 'Chuck' Ashcroft (SPHS '42).

Dolly enjoyed and looked forward to playing bridge with her dear friends every week. She was a fierce and respected bridge player. Affectionately, Dolly was known as a "doubler." Dolly enjoyed emailing, playing card games, travel, creating holiday menus, baking Christmas cookies for her friends and family, and keeping up with the times on her Mac computer. She always said if her house ever caught fire, to be sure and grab her computer because she treasured her family photos. Dolly had a tender heart and soft spot for dogs. To honor Dolly, pet a dog, rescue or adopt a dog, donate to a shelter, take a dog for a walk or a ride, give a treat or simply love, laugh, wag, smile and show a little kindness.

 

 





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