Rene D. Gorrie

  Rene Agnes Durand was born on May 27,1931 in Los Angeles, California to Alfred and Pauline Durand.  Growing up, she was raised and worked on her family’s farm in Redondo Beach.  She remained there through college until she married John M. Gorrie, on November 6,1955.  Together, after having 2 children, Dennis J. Gorrie and Caron G. Chalstrom, they moved to Fullerton, California in 1961 where she was a loving spouse, dedicated mother, and cherished neighbor. 

Rene excelled at homemaking, creating a loving home environment and becoming a talented cook and seamstress. She was married for over 50 years, and after her husband's passing in September of 2016, she chose to remain in her home for a total of 60 years. At age 90 she moved to Florida to be near her daughter and my grandchildren.  

Along with 2 children of her own,  Rene had a son-in-law and daughter-in-law, Gilbert E.Chalstrom and Susie O’Connor.  Four grandchildren, Gilbert and Christine Chalstrom, Brett and Neal Gorrie.  She also had a brother and sister, Alfred Durand and Louise Repashy, and enjoyed 12 nieces and nephews, along with all their respective spouses.

Growing up, she attended Leuzinger High School, El Camino Junior College and the USC School of Dental Hygiene.  As an adult, she was an active member of the Orange County Dental Association, serving on the board and becoming the group’s President for a term.  She was also a member of the Fullerton Assistance League, holding several board positions, including the leadership role of the Fullerton Assist-teens, a group within the group, for mothers and their daughters. In the Damas de Caridad group, benefiting St Jude’s Hospital, she was a Mannequin for 3 years in their annual Headdress Ball, at which she modeled elaborate floral headdresses.  She also enjoyed being a member of the Orange County Trojan League, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and the Orange County Performing Arts League.  Rene also worked part time as a dental hygienist until she was 83 and was a remarkable caregiver to both her mother and husband for several years.  In her free time, she enjoyed golf and a social membership at Hacienda Country Club in La Harbor Heights.  She enjoyed team play for many years, honing her golf skills and making many
friendships.

She passed away peacefully on December 29th, 2024 and was laid to rest on Friday January 10, 2025, with her husband and parents at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.

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