Doris Helene Gastaldi Abbott Feb. 25, 1920 - July 21, 2010

Our dearest mother passed away July 21, 2010, at the age of 90, in Newport Beach of natural causes after a long fulfilling life. She was born in Placerville, Calif., on Feb. 25, 1920, to immigrant parents Guiseppina and Giovanni Gastaldi.

After World War II, Doris, and her husband, Robert Joseph Abbott, who preceded her in death in 1970, moved to Fresno to raise their family before moving to Costa Mesa in 1964.

A graduate of Fresno State, Doris taught in the Ocean View School District in Huntington Beach, at Spring View School from 1965 to 1984 when she retired.

Well read with many interests; Doris’s summers were spent at her beloved cabin at Lake Tahoe where she enjoyed her family, relatives, friends, nature and roulette. Doris traveled the world enjoying the people and their cultures. She was one of the early travelers to China and often visited one of her daughters in Europe and her relatives in Italy.

First and foremost Doris loved her children and grandchildren. She lived her life epitomizing the perfect mother; always lending an ear, giving advice, loving, sacrificing, caring, guiding and teaching values, upholding those values, and making us accountable to them.

Doris’s love went beyond her family. Ever grateful for the sacrifices her parents made by leaving their homeland, for opportunities for their children, our mother gave unconditional love and help to many who were in need and was ever generous.

Doris leaves behind her four children; Carol Collins (Robert, deceased) of Salinas, Robert Abbott (Ann) of Laguna Beach, Cecelia De Crona Davidson (Errol) of Newport Beach, Tim (Cheryl) of San Clemente as well as 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Doris will be missed by those who knew and loved her and those whose lives she touched.

The family wishes to thank all the staff at Newport Senior Living for their devotion and care of our dear mother.

There will be a Memorial Service at Lake Tahoe the end of August and in Fallbrook at the end of September.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to a charity of your choice in Doris’s name.