DOROTHY MAE TATE

April 1, 1939 – March 31, 2021

Dorothy (Dottie/Dot) Tate passed away peacefully on March 31, 2021 at McCrite Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri. She suffered a long battle with dementia and died, just one day shy of her 82nd birthday. She was born in Jackson, Michigan to Lawrence and Ella Waterhouse. She was one of 6 children and lived in Jackson until she enlisted in the Army shortly after graduating from high school.

While serving in the Army she met her husband, Jerry. Following her service in the Army she worked at several banks while she earned her bachelor’s degree from Fresno State and then her master’s degree from California Lutheran University.

She worked as an educator in the Bakersfield City School District as a classroom teacher, counselor, and curriculum specialist before becoming a principal. Her last assignment before retiring was as Principal of Eissler Elementary School. Not long before she retired Dottie was presented with a Golden Apple Award as an outstanding educator by the Association of California School Administrators.

After retirement she socialized regularly with members of the Eissler office staff as well as other retired staff members. She also volunteered at one of the district’s school libraries as well as a local county library. Dottie spent many years as a volunteer server at the Guild House of Bakersfield which supports a mental health clinic for youth, adults, and families.

Dottie was a longtime member of the Delta Pi Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International – an honor group for women in education. She also participated in a luncheon group consisting of woman who retired as school administrators.

Dottie and Jerry greatly enjoyed international travel. Their vacations of choice involved the luxury of cruise ships. Dottie, Jerry, and a close group of friends met every Friday night for dinner. It was a tradition that started when they were young working parents and continued well into retirement. Dottie loved to dance and was known at her retirement home as “Dancing Dottie.”

Dottie is survived by her daughter and son in law, Teri and Paul Young and grandson Jeffrey Tate, Jr.; brothers, Robert (Bob) and Herbert (Herb) Waterhouse, sister Betty Lathrop and many other relatives. She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Jerry Tate, and sons Gary and Jeffrey Tate; brother Lawrence (Larry) Waterhouse and sister Sharon Briant.

Dottie will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetery, 3700 River Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93305 next to her husband and 2 sons. A celebration of life will be held in Bakersfield after COVID restrictions are lifted.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Guild House of Bakersfield, 1905 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301 or to your favorite charity.