Dorothy B. Sully (McAllister)
February 25, 1924 - January 20, 2017


Dorothy B. Sully, a Southern California and Orange County resident for many years, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2017. Dorothy was born February 25, 1924 and lived a wonderful and full life always with zest, a smile-and-a-laugh, and great humor.
Dorothy grew up with her parents in the Bakersfield and Fresno area and attended Sanger Union High School in Sanger, CA. At Sanger High, she was a member of both the tennis and drill teams. From 1942-1946 Dorothy studied health, physical education and psychology at Cal State University, Fresno (Fresno State). While attending Fresno State, she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences and Master of Education (ME) degrees and graduated with the distinctive honors of Magna Cum Laude. She was a member of Delta Psi Beta sorority and later became a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, a professional honor society of key women educators in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America and Japan. Dorothy was also invited to become a lifetime member of the Phi Beta Kappa membership, a distinguished institution of higher learning.
She later achieved her teaching and counseling credentials and throughout her career, taught English, Special Education, and ESL at Santiago High School in Garden Grove; she also was a school counselor there.
While married to Anthony J. Sully, Dorothy and A.J. worked as educators. They raised their children in the cities of Garden Grove and Tustin, spending much of their time together as a family at their several homes and cabins in Lake Arrowhead. Dorothy later lived in Mission Viejo and Irvine, CA.
Dorothy was involved in many social, cultural and civic activities with long-standing memberships at the Ebell Club of Santa Ana and the UCI Town and Gown organization. She helped to raise scholarship funds for academics and for students, along with participation in many other fundraising activities. Through her involvement in these associations, coupled with her teaching career, Dorothy made and had many longtime friends, friends who meant the world to her. She particularly enjoyed the arts and travelling. She was very fortunate to have traveled to several countries with her husband and friends.
At a time when it was not as common to do so, Dorothy prided herself on being a strong-willed and highly educated woman and was a role model for many. Because of this, she inspired the people around her in more ways than one. She was kind, caring, loving and supportive to all; and a fighter throughout. "She did it her way". Dorothy and her vibrant spirit will be truly missed.

Dorothy is survived by her-
Three sons Ronald Sully, Gary Sully, Joseph Sully and daughter Susan Marinacci (Sully). Also, her grandchildren and great grand children.

Dorothy's wish was for no service or fanfare surrounding her passing. We ask you hold her and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Cards and condolences can be sent to Gary Sully at either GarySully44@gmail.com or 14701 Myford Road, Suite B, Tustin, CA 92780.