Dorothy Cecilia Vendley

Dorothy Cecilia Woolums Vendley, age 101, died October 28, 2022 in the loving presence of her family in Houston, Texas. Born February 9, 1921 in South Bend, Indiana to Cecilia and William Woolums, Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, brother Bernard, and husband of 49 years, William (Bill) Vendley. Raised in Chicago, Illinois and Denver, Colorado, Dorothy attended Roman Catholic girls’ schools from elementary school to her graduation from Mundelein College in Chicago. She met Bill through his sister Margaret when he was on military leave in Chicago. They subsequently married and began their storied life together in Houston, Texas while Bill completed his WWII military service at Ellington Field. Dorothy’s home for the next 35 years was in West Lafayette, Indiana where she and Bill raised their five children: Sue, Bill Jr., Ed, Bob, and Terry. Dorothy embraced her family with boundless love and devotion while she also engaged in a full social calendar of parties, bridge and book clubs, theatre, volunteerism, and educational pursuits which included earning a degree from Purdue University and teaching. A voracious reader of quality literature, Dorothy served as President of Purdue Women’s Club and its Newcomers Chair. She orchestrated far-ranging moves with her family to St Thomas/US Virgin Islands, Sri Lanka, and Las Vegas, Nevada during Bill’s academic sabbaticals and appointments. Following Bill's retirement, they relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma where they enjoyed living closer to family. Upon Bill’s death in 1995, Dorothy returned to Houston to live with her daughter Theresa and her family. She made many cherished friends at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart where her two granddaughters attended school, and at the Houstonian where she swam daily. She earned medals swimming in the Houston Senior Olympics, waltzed in Arthur Murray classes and competitions, and continued to travel until recently to beloved family near and far. Dorothy was grounded in her faith and sound common sense, and was celebrated for her grace, positivity, and ever-stylish elegance. She effortlessly charmed the world as she traveled it and considered each day a gift. With unfailing optimism and the highest of standards, Dorothy was a true lady. She encouraged and affirmed, sparkled with beauty and kindness, and remained keenly inquisitive. Known by many as “Gram” after the arrival of her grandchildren, she was their constant, loving support. The spirit of her large family, Dorothy is survived by children Mary Suzanne Mumby (Jim) of Menlo Park, CA; William (Yasuko) of Upper Nyack, NY; Edward (Lisa) of Tulsa, OK; Robert (Nancy) of Davidson, NC; Theresa McCutcheon of Houston, TX; grandchildren Robert, Suzanne, Richard, Jesse, Michelle, Brian, David, Julianne, Charles, Robert, Jr., Katherine, Catherine, Caroline, and 14 great grandchildren with an additional 2 expected soon. The Vigil and Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 4, 2022 at All Saints Catholic Church in San Pierre, IN followed by the Rite of Committal at All Saints Cemetery in San Pierre, IN. Those who wish may contribute in memoriam to the Duchesne Academy Sister Laura Ann Caire Scholarship Endowment Fund at the following web link: https://www.duchesne.org/alumnae/laura-ann-caire-scholarship-donation-form

Dorothy Cecilia Vendley

February 9, 1921 - October 28, 2022