Alma Erna Dolby's Obituary
The cherished only child of Edward and Gertrude Rudy and named after Gertrude’s sister, Alma Erna Anna was born June 10, 1915 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When Alma was about nine, the family moved to Los Angeles, California, and resided in the Bunker Hill community. Bunker Hill towered over downtown Los Angeles and was adorned with lavish two-story Victorian houses. Alma’s favorite mode of transport was Angel’s Flight, the World’s Shortest Railway that traveled a 33% grade down to the famous Grand Central Market where her parents owned and operated a corner restaurant. Alma enjoyed a childhood filled with piano and dance lessons, trips to the movie theatres on Broadway and outings with her parents. They would often vacation in Santa Barbara and at Lake Elsinore, once a popular recreational destination for Hollywood celebrities.Still in high school, a tall, blond, blue-eyed Canadian swept Alma off her feet. To the great heartache of her parents, she eloped with Leonard Dolby at the age of 18. In 1935, Alma gave birth to her first of four daughters; Lenora, followed by Diana, Earlene and her only son Douglas. When Douglas was nine, Alma gave birth to her fourth daughter Suzanne, forever the baby girl. In 1952, the Dolby family moved from the City of Gardena in Los Angeles County to the San Diego community of Normal Heights. Although it was hard moving away from her parents, Leonard’s brother and two sisters lived in or near Normal Heights and she enjoyed the extended family relationships. Alma was particularly close to her sister in-law Violet. Alma was only a couple of months older than Violet and they both ended their life’s journey in 2014 with their minds still in tack, and still the best of friends.While in High School, Alma’s daughters began attending Normal Heights United Methodist Church. Alma’s church family, especially during her golden years, was a great joy and comfort to her.Alma loved to sing and she could whistle like nobody’s business. The neighbors always knew when she was cleaning house because she was always singing out like she was on a Broadway stage. It’s likely she sang while at work with her co-worker and close friend Lorraine. With her children grown, Alma started working at Hawkins Dry Cleaners on University Avenue. She liked her job doing bookkeeping for the cleaners and enjoyed the camaraderie of her colleagues and regular patrons. She continued working even after being robbed a couple of times, once at gunpoint.Leonard built a two-bedroom house in the backyard of their 34th Street home and it became a starter home for many of their kids. Lenora and her husband Ken lived there with their first two children, and Douglas and his wife Carol also lived there with her two girls. The back house also became the final home for many relatives. During the decade of the seventies Alma devoted herself first to her ailing husband, who passed in 1975, and then to her parents who had moved into the back house to be with their daughter in their final years. She also cared for her brother in-law Arthur who passed away while living in the back house during the early nineties.Alma’s greatest gift, and a gift to all family and friends lucky to know her, was her innate ability to care and nurture. She loved people and was a joy to be with. Alma was always upbeat and ready for new experiences and adventures. She traveled, and enjoyed a cruise to the Caribbean with her dear friends Alice and Luther. In the company of her granddaughter Jeanene (aka “Chili”) as well as Alice and Luther, Alma ventured on two more cruises; one down from Vancouver, Canada and the other to Mexico. She also enjoyed a trip to New York City, courtesy of her granddaughter Lauren.Alma’s life wasn’t always easy and there wasn’t much money, but she lived with great flair, good humor and grace. She had style! She loved clothes and had great flair in putting a smart look together. She was especially vain about her legs and rightfully so, but her most striking feature was her bright blue eyes.She was lucky to have the health and physical well-being to live in her 34th Street home until the age of 95. Living alone at her advanced age was made easier under the watchful eye of her adopted granddaughter Hollis, who lived in the back house for over a decade. Alma fell and broke her slender ankle but recovered and was able to walk again because of her fierce determination and the aid of physical therapy. Unfortunately she fell again, this time breaking her neck which resulted in Alma being confined to a wheelchair for her remaining years. Although Alma wanted to be in her own home, she was quick to make friends and became a staff favorite at the nursing and assisted care residences where she stayed. During her brief stay at Atria Collwood, she, like her father, an incorrigible flirt with the ladies, flirted shamelessly with the male dining room waiters. Her final residence was at Harbor View Chateau where she even had a beau. Cleve returned her affection and they would often hold hands during their meals together. Alma had many visitors and was doted on by her caregivers because she always showed interest in all who came in contact with her and she never failed to thank them for their help.At the advanced age of 99, Alma undoubtedly left this world to enter a heavenly ballroom, greeted by a huge party of family and friends, including her beloved furry companions: Schnitzi, Sissy, Cricket and Bob the cat. She is waltzing around the ballrooms with her many admirers, with a song on her lips and a twinkle in her bright blue eyes.Alma will be greatly missed by many and is survived by her five children, ten grandchildren, her adopted granddaughter, 12 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Alma leaves behind a great legacy of how to live and love without reservation and with great generosity.
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