Dottie Lee passed away in Eureka on October 4, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Tom and Della Chappelle. Born on November 8, 1947, she was a graduate of Eureka High and lived the majority of her life in Eureka.

Dottie worked many years for Pacific Bell, where she started as a telephone switchboard operator, and later worked for AT&T, with assignments in Bakersfield and Santa Rosa, as well as Eureka. She also worked for NCI, O&M Industries and Renner Petroleum as a financial officer. Her last employment was with Hensel Hardware in Arcata.

Dottie was a member and President of Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay and a member of Humboldt Sponsors. She made many friends in both organizations and enjoyed their service to our community. She was also treasurer for both groups.

Dottie was raised as a Presbyterian, but she became a Catholic and found strength in her faith. She attended Cursillo, where she enjoyed sharing her faith and friendship with the people who organized and experienced the program.

Dottie had an extended family. Her brother Tom Chappelle (Jane), Darlene Dungan (Casey), brother Bob, and sister Roseanne and their families were important to her. Her cousin Lee Chappelle (Renee) and Marie Garick (Clyde) and their children were often in her thoughts. Her cousin Jim (Darlene) was too. She recently got to spend special time with her niece Jocelyn Taylor.

Dottie always had a special place in her heart for her nephew Nathan, his wife Karen and their children Hudson and Haley. Military service meant they were stationed in many different areas, but she always kept up with them.

Her Aunt Donna Peterson, her uncle Bob Lewis and his wife Edie were very special people in her life. She enjoyed holidays and family times with them.

Dottie was married to Brian Lee for more than 20 years, and she treasured the times they shared with his daughter Tracy.

Dottie always had a tender heart for animals. She had many dogs and cats over the years. Her last kitty was very dear to her: Toby. She rescued him from the Sequoia Humane Society shelter, and she spoiled him every day.

There are no formal memorial services planned for Dottie. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please send them to the Sequoia Humane Society, 6073 Loma Ave., Eureka or Humboldt Sponsors, PO Box 444, Eureka 95502.

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