Dorothy Lillian Teixeira peacefully passed away in Ripon, California, at the age of 99, just two months shy of her 100th birthday.
Dorothy was born on May 27, 1926, in Lodi, California, to Manuel and Isabel Medeiros. Her family later moved to Roberts Island, where she attended Fairchild Elementary School. She went on to attend Tracy High School, graduating in 1944. After her graduation, her family relocated to Lodi.
In June of 1951, Dorothy married Edward J. Teixeira. Edward worked on the Teixeira-Nunes Dairy until his tragic passing in a farming accident in October 1968. Dorothy was then left to raise their five children on her own, a role she carried with strength and devotion.
Dorothy was deeply proud of her Portuguese heritage and held a strong, lifelong commitment to her Catholic faith.
She worked as a teacher’s aide at Van Allen Elementary School in the Escalon Unified School District from January 1981 until her retirement in June 2003. Fluent in Portuguese, Dorothy played an important role in helping translate for students and families who spoke Portuguese and Spanish.
Dorothy was also very active in her community. She served as secretary for many years and was deeply involved in several organizations, including: Our Lady of Fatima YLI #179, Escalon; Our Lady of Fatima Celebration, St. Patrick’s Church, Escalon; F.E.S. of Oakdale (Portuguese Holy Ghost Festa) and Club Portuguese of Stockton (Portuguese Holy Ghost Festa).
Dorothy was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, kind spirit, and generous heart.
She is survived by her children: Jeanette Crum (Marty) of Visalia, Arlene Teixeira of Escalon, Luann Drewrey (Steve) of Texas, Edward Teixeira (Lorena) of Manteca and Nancy Rose (Randy) of Escalon.
She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and many other family members who loved her dearly.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Deegan Funeral Chapel, 1441 San Joaquin Street, Escalon.
A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church followed by committal at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Bethany Home Society Foundation, 930 W. Main Street, Ripon, CA 95366 or Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
April 8, 2026
