To call Dorothy Aland an avid reader would be an understatement. Her personal library was stocked with finely written novels, stories of scintillating scientific discoveries, and narratives based on the latest archaeological findings.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies,” wrote author George R. R. Martin. By that measure, Dorothy lived countless lifetimes before passing away on July 29, 2023, just shy of her 100th birthday. She was born on August 16, 1923 in Pittsburgh, PA. Having worked as a librarian for many years, Dorothy gave the gift of reading to those around her. She performed readers’ theater, bringing children’s books to life with her storytelling. Her legendary ability to play the game of Scrabble was undiminished even in her late 90s. Not surprisingly, three of Dorothy’s children became teachers—and two of them published authors.

Dorothy was highly intelligent and possessed remarkable resilience. She was one of the top academics in her high school graduating class and a member of the drama and Latin clubs. She worked for the Red Cross during World War II and helped her father-in-law operate a livestock business in central Texas.

A lover of the great outdoors, Dorothy often traveled to the Oregon coast for camping trips with her friends. She also enjoyed bird watching. She once booked an ill-fated Alaskan cruise, and journeyed to the north of England to visit family. Dorothy loved to pick and can fruit, which she used to bake incredible pies, cobblers, cookies and cakes. Of course, she was an enthusiastic member of book clubs and church study groups, following her curiosity and adding to her knowledge of the universe. Dorothy had a large circle of friends and was known as a gracious hostess, a thoughtful listener, and an engaging conversationalist.

Dorothy means “Gift of God” and she was certainly a gift to her family, friends, and to hundreds of people whose lives she positively impacted. Always active in her church, Dorothy was a woman of deep faith and character. She was also conscientious, open-minded, and ahead of her time on many social and environmental issues—an attribute that inspired her children and grandchildren. Dorothy’s depth of caring and full heart drew many to her, along with the way she built others up.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Pike.

She is survived by her children: Alan Locklear (Marie Valleroy), Celia Locklear Martin (Ken), Curtis Locklear, and Chip Locklear (Rebecca); her grandchildren: Catherine Locklear Worsham, Nathan Locklear, Erin Locklear Ellis, Monica Locklear, Grady Locklear, and Ven Locklear, and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at St. Clare Catholic Church, 8535 SW 19th Avenue, Portland, at 11 am on Saturday, August 5. Rosary at St. Clare will be at 7:30 Friday, August 4. Parking is available in the lot across the street from the church, on 19th Ave. The funeral will be livestreamed on the St. Clare Catholic Church website.

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