TheLiberalOC mourns our friend Dot De Leon who has been battling leukemia for several months now. In spite of receiving a devastating prognosis several months ago, Dot remained committed to living every day and every moment with grace, courage and class.
She loved her friends, Disneyland, and Democrats. She is a co-host for a February 6 fundraiser for Jose Solorio’s senate race and is a strong supporter of Sharon Quirk-Silva’s re-election bid for state assembly.
DPPOC Chairman Henry Vandermeir announced her passing on Facebook.
Dot was also one of the most positive people you could ever know. Her smile could light up a room and she made everyone feel welcome. She fought her disease with courage, a positive spirit and optimism. Godspeed in your journey Dot. We’ll note the absence of talking with you while cherishing your friendship in our hearts.
Remembering Dot De Leon tonight. Dot was gracious enough to share her hotel room with my roommate John and I at the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC. Making it possible for us to cover the Convention for LiberalOC. No matter what challenges she faced in life, she faced them with a cheerful smile. I last got to see her at the Oc Labor Federation Labor Day picnic. She is going to be missed by so many people whose lives she has touched with her smile.
It was indeed a privilege to know Dot as she went about helping people with any and all resources at her disposal. She always gave with a smile and did so all the way up to the end. Because of Dot’s generosity, Rep. Loretta Sanchez was able to hold Holiday food events that provided turkey dinners for the truly needy in the 46th District. Dot did this without fanfare and without expectation. In a way, I don’t think someone like Dot really departs this Earth. Her legacy is in all of us who knew her. I’ll wager there are those who benefitted from Dot’s generosity and didn’t even know her and are now inspired to give as they have been given. One thing for sure, Dot’s not resting in peace or otherwise. Where ever she is, she’s doing something.
It was a privilege to attend an informal memorial for Dot today. The speakers were amazing and there is a sense of emptiness felt by her passing.