Dorothy Marie Skala

Dorothy Marie Skala of San Francisco passed away at the age of 91 on September 6, 2017. She is survived by her children Patricia (Corey), Michael and Steven (Sharron); her grandchildren Michael Jr. and Rene greatgrandchildren Samuel and Nicholas.

She dropped out of high school at age 16 to go to work for the Army during World War II. In 1957 she was hired to be a file clerk for John D. “Judge” Russell, Director of Menlo College and the School of Business Administration. At that time she was also raising three children and only intended to work for 2 years. Fifty years later she was still working for the College. She held various positions, but always worked with the students and alumni. Dorothy had a phenomenal memory. She knew everyone who graduated during her tenure at Menlo and even some of the men who graduated before she started working there. When Menlo began admitting women students, many sought out her counsel and friendship as well. Grateful alumni set up a scholarship in her name which is given out annually to a deserving student. She was named an honorary alumnus in 1996. She was appointed Director of Alumni Relations Emerita in 2008 and eventually retired from that position.

Friends may visit Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City where a Vigil Service will be held at 4:30pm.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 10:30am at St. Thomas More Church, 1300 Junipero Serra Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94132.

Memorial donations to: Dorothy Skala Scholarship Fund at Menlo College. Checks should be made payable to Menlo College and mailed to: Menlo College, Office of Alumni Engagement and Development, 1000 El Camino Real, Atherton, CA 94027-4301.