Doreen “Dorina” Marie Espinoza
On the morning of October 10, 2023, after a brief illness and surrounded by her family, Dorina Espinoza passed away at the age of 61. She was the youngest of three daughters born to Dolores and Bernardo Espinoza on June 15, 1962, in Oxnard, CA.
Dorina’s sons Nicolas and Anthony were the loves of her life. Whether it was enjoying moments watching sunsets on the beach or playing board games, the time spent with them was always special and continually filled her heart.
Dorina made a connection with each and every person she met throughout her life and this ability to connect with others was truly one of her greatest gifts. She greeted everyone with her infectious smile and loving hugs and valued making time to have meaningful one on one conversations with loved ones. If she wasn’t playing her ukulele or dancing, she was laughing at her terrible jokes. She truly enjoyed her poker, dinner, walking and working groups all of whom she considered family.
Dorina earned her Masters and PhD from Michigan State University in Kinesiology and Exercise Science which led to a two decade career of serving her community. First with Humboldt County Health and Human Services and most recently with the University of CA Cooperative Extension 4-H and Community Health and Nutrition Programs. Her career enabled her to pursue her passion of addressing food insecurity through the food bank, youth programs, supporting emergency preparedness, strengthening local agriculture and regional food systems and food preservation programs. Dorina was admired by her colleagues and set an important example for others with an inspirational vision that will long outlive her.
In one of Dorina’s biographical sketches, she stated, “I am currently learning from my community members and I am passionate about working with communities to make healthy changes that improve lives, create equitable and just communities that support and value difference, and help decision-makers support practices and policies that ensure healthy communities for all to thrive.
Dorina is survived by her loving family… her sons Nicolas and Anthony White, her sisters Denise (Don) Ziskin and Diana (Frank) Sacramento and their families. She was a wonderful mother, sister, aunt and friend and a beautiful human being. She will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life is planned for the Spring of 2024 in Arcata, CA. Information will be provided at a later date. In remembrance of Dorina’s life, the family asks that any donations be made to Food for People in Eureka, CA.