Gilroy native Dorothy Sturla died on March 15, 2011, at 88 years of age. Born in 1922 to Michael and Caroline Nagle, Dorothy and her eight siblings learned hard work early in life, picking prunes on the family farm on Church Avenue. Dorothy attended local schools, including St. Mary’s, Gilroy High School, and Hartnell College in Salinas. During World War II, she worked as a hostess at Fort Ord.
In 1948 she married Jack Sturla of Gilroy. Together they had three children: David, Juliann, and Holly. She worked in the office at Gilroy High School for 10 years during the 60’s and 70’s.
Dorothy was an avid gardener, a talented watercolorist, and printmaker. She shared her love of art through her two-year chairmanship of the Garlic Festival Arts and Crafts Committee, and by teaching printmaking at the Kids Discover Arts festival. She also taught art at the Gilroy Senior Center.
She was also a 15-year volunteer at St. Joseph’s Family Center in Gilroy. Dorothy and Jack were married for 63 years. They enjoyed the outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and traveling the United States together.
Dorothy is survived by her husband Jack Sturla, her sisters Edna Nagle and Pat Mercer of Gilroy, and by her brother Bob Nagle of Fullerton. She is also survived by her children: David Sturla and wife Mary of Gilroy, daughter Juliann Sturla of Palo Alto, and daughter Holly Masulis and husband Don Masulis of Saratoga, as well as grandchildren Victoria Sturla, Jarred Sturla, Caroline Pasyanos, Arlen Masulis, Derrick Masulis, Janna Masulis, Mark Masulis, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Habing Family Funeral Home on Sunday, March 20, 2011, from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, March 21,2011, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gilroy. Interment will be at a later date.
