| Notes |
- San Luis Obispo County Tribune
June 21, 2015
On June 14, 2015, Doris Anita Mello passed away peacefully after 94 years of a full and highly productive life. Doris was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in October of 1920 to Ben and Jessie Erley and had a loving childhood there along with her three brothers.
Her father was an avid outdoorsman and instilled his love for the lakes and mountains to Doris, which she passed on to her children. Doris was not a tomboy however, she loved to attend the local dances with her girlfriends where the famous big bands of the era often played.
It was at one of these dances that she met the love of her life and future husband John M. Mello, who was attending the University of Idaho in Moscow pursuing a Masters degree in Education. It was indeed love at first sight for both of them, for they were happily married for 71 years. Doris's husband John graduated with a degree in chemistry and got his first job teaching that subject in Athol, Idaho. From there they lived in Yreka and Tule Lake, California, before moving their young family to Taft, California, where John taught chemistry and headed the Science Department at Taft Union High School for 30 years.
During that period Doris worked at home raising their three children. She was an active member of the Delta Theta Tau Sorority, served on the Westside Recreation District Board of Directors, and worked various jobs to supplement the family income. She was a loving mother who always looked out for her children's welfare while at the same time encouraging them to follow their dreams even if took them off the beaten path. Doris was also an astute follower of current affairs and government and how it affected society. Doris and John loved to golf, fish, and visit with family and friends. For many years they had a cabin on beautiful Coeur d'Alene Lake, Idaho, which was a special place for family visits. In later years they rented a cabin at Lake Tahoe where they hosted many summertime family reunions.
Their home in Daisy Hill Mobile Home Park was the meeting place for many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. All family members were invited and their friends were welcome too. Their home got filled up with happy people (and dogs!) on these occasions and will be remembered by us all. Doris and John made many long-lasting friendships in their 22-years at Daisy Hill and as members of the Morro Bay Seniors Golf Club.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Jessie Erley; her brothers: James, Benjamin, and Donald, and by her husband John.
Doris is survived by her daughters, Sunny Judy Mello and Barbara Jean Jones (Larry Vincent); son, John Joseph Mello (Marsha); grandchildren: Hilary Boudreaux (Scott), Chris Gaines (Anna), Jennifer Biagioni, and Stephanie Odom (Garry); great- grandchildren: Henry and Isabelle Boudreaux, William and Cameron Gaines, Amanda, Mark, Joshua, Nicole, Alison and Juliana Biagioni, and Emma and Niall Stanley; six great- great-grandchildren, and Doris's adoring dog, Meg. Doris is also survived by her nephew, Clyde Erley and his wife Pompei, whose friendship and support meant very much to Doris and John.
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1920 - 2015 (94 years)
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