Dorothy Zerwer Cleone

Dorothy Zerwer Cleone 1915 2016 Dorothy Cleone lived 100 years and eight months exactly. She began her long life in Oakland, June 26, 1915, the daughter of Walter W. and Florence Lynds Zerwer of Berkeley. She passed away in Napa on February 26, 2016. Dorothy was educated in the Berkeley school system and graduated from Berkeley High. She then attended the University of California, Berkeley, earning her diploma in 1937. At the university she was a member of Phi Omega Pi and on the staff of the Daily Californian, the student newspaper. Upon graduation she pursued a journalism career, becoming the society editor of the Napa Register, where she originated her popular column, "Over the Gate". Dorothy worked for the Napa Journal for a time, and then as a substitute teacher. In the late 1950's she earned her teaching credential and began a new career as an elementary school teacher. She taught mostly kindergarten and first grade at various Napa schools. She retired in 1974, concluding her teaching career at Alta Heights School. In Napa she met her future husband, Ray Cleone; and, they married in 1939. The couple built a home in Alta Heights in the early 1940's and raised three children there. Throughout her life Dorothy greatly enjoyed travels with family and friends and spending time at the ancestral home in Forbestown, CA. Dorothy was a devoted member of Community Projects, Inc, The Napa Valley Needlers, The Napa Valley Retired Teachers Association, the American Association of University Women, and the HealthQuest Mermaids until unable to participate any longer. Dorothy is survived by her children, Ray Cleone, Jr. of Alameda and Bonnie Larsen (Leif) of Reno, Nevada. Craig Koury (Cindy) of Sacramento, Christopher Koury (Rain) of Round Rock, Texas and Karen Larsen of Reno are her grandchildren. Great grandchildren include Marlena, Molly and Madeline Koury of Texas and Karina, Alex and Juliann Davies of Reno. She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Ray Cleone, and her daughter, Carol Koury. The family thanks members of the staff at Brookdale Napa, and the staff of Kindred Hospice for their kindness and care. Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 18 at Tulocay Cemetery with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the Ray Cleone Memorial Scholarship at Napa Valley College.

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Dorothy Zerwer Cleone

June 26, 1915 - February 26, 2016