Dorothy G. Cerro

Dorothy Gertrude Cerro     

October 28, 1923 – December 10, 2023

Dorothy Gertrude (O’Connell) Cerro passed away at her home in San Leandro, CA, just after her 100th birthday. She was born to William Joseph O’Connell and Lenna Josephine (Rohde) O’Connell in Miller Township (now Anthon), Iowa. As a child, she lived on a farm outside of town with her parents, brother, and two sisters. She recalled enjoying life on the farm and excursions to town for church and groceries. During high school, she lived with another family who had a home in town, and after graduation, she traveled west to stay with an aunt in Pittsburgh, CA.

She first worked as a hairstylist, but with the onset of World War II she got a job at the Naval shipyard in Richmond, CA, to build ladders, one of just three women in her crew. She recalled a surprised supervisor asking what such petite woman was doing there, but he accepted her. We have pictures of her with the swing shift crew in 1942 and awaiting a ride to the shipyard. She was a real “Rosie-the-Rivetter!” Soon after being hired, her dad and mom relocated to the East Bay, and her dad began work at the shipyard as well.

After the War, as women were let go from their wartime jobs, she returned to hairstyling. She lived with her sister Mary and enjoyed riding the street cars around Oakland for both work and going out. On one occasion she met Louis Cerro at a dance and her sister Mary met Dean Woodson. In 1946, they had a double wedding! They and their sister Lois lived near each other in the East Bay for decades. Her brother Ed remained on the farm in Iowa, but eventually moved to the East Bay as well.

Dorothy and Louis adopted two newborn babies, Michael in 1951 and Philip in 1952. They first had a house in Oakland, then moved to San Leandro in the 1960’s to the house she called home for the rest of her life. They had a large extended family in the East Bay and enjoyed many get-togethers with friends and family. She cherished her photo albums that highlighted family vacations, including a cruise to Alaska with Louis and friends. Dorothy will be remembered as exceptionally kind, friendly, and devout. She attended mass regularly, watched daily mass on television for many years, and had a daily prayer book. She greeted everyone at her home with open arms, two thumbs up, and a hearty “You’re always welcome.”

She is survived by her grandchildren Doug Miller (wife Joan), Lisa Miller (husband Romain), great grandsons Logan and Brody Miller, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Louis, sisters Mary and Lois, brother Edward, sons Michael and Philip, and daughter-in-law Carolyn.

Visitation will be January 4, 2023, 12 to 8pm, at Santos Robinson Mortuary, San Leandro. Burial service will be January 5, 2023, 2:30pm, St. Joseph Cemetery, 2540 Church Lane, San Pablo, CA. She will be remembered at First Friday Mass, January 5, 6:30pm, at The Church of the Assumption, San Leandro. All are welcome to attend these events.

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