Delores Marlene Weldon
Aug. 14, 1943-Jan. 14, 2025
Portola Valley, California
Delores Marlene Weldon, beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, and cherished member of her community, passed away on January 14, 2025, after a five-year battle with dementia. Born in Wichita, Kansas, on August 14, 1943, to Oral M. Weldon and Mary Margaret Kimple, Delores, also known as Dee, was the only child of her loving family. She grew up in Wichita, graduated from South East High School, and earned her teaching credential from Wichita State University in 1964.
Dee’s career as an educator began soon after graduation, where she taught typing and shorthand at her alma mater. In 1965, she married Bob White, and the couple moved to St. Louis, Missouri, for two years before making a big move to the West Coast, settling in San Jose, California, in 1970. They were joined by their daughter, Lexie White,who was born that same year. Dee’s passion for learning inspired her to attend night classes at San Jose State University, where she earned her master's degree in Business in 1976.
Dee lived in Portola Valley from 1976 to 2019, where she remarried in 1987 to Bruce Bigwood, a colleague at Saga, a company where they both worked. After Bruce’s untimely passing in 1998, Dee continued her work as a business administrator at Quadrus and later served as director of the Anderson Art Collection, where she indulged her love of modern art while working closely with Stanford students.
Perhaps one of Dee’s most fulfilling roles was as Director of the Davis Dyslexia Correction Center, where she worked alongside her daughter, Lexie, helping children and adults navigate the challenges of learning disabilities. Dee’s compassion and commitment to helping others were at the heart of everything she did.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dee’s life was full of passion for many things. She loved ballroom dancing, listening to storytelling, savoring gourmet food, and traveling—especially to Europe and Turkey. She had a particular fondness for British television, including Masterpiece Theater, and was known to walk the streets of her Ladera Oaks neighborhood. Dee is survived by her children: Lexie White Strain (Sunnyvale), Bryce Bigwood (San Francisco), Erika Keaton (Petaluma), and Erin Hanley (Truckee); and her treasured grandchildren, Samuel Strain, Holly Keaton, Hannah Keaton, and Rose Keaton and Brynn Hanley. Her loving presence will be greatly missed by her family, friends and the many lives she touched throughout her journey.
Rest in peace, Dee. You will forever be remembered for your kindness, your strength, and your enduring love for those around you.
Tags: arts/media, teacher/educator
