Dorothy Mae Stuart, 90, passed away peacefully, November 17, 2023, with her husband of 71 years, Ross, holding her hand and family by her side.

Dorothy was born in Fresno on January 8, 1933, to parents Maria Theresa (Gad) Tressler and Robert Wesley Williams, Sr. She graduated from Fresno High School, attended Fresno State College, and later, Fresno City College where she studied Fine Arts.

A prolific artist, Dorothy was skilled in multiple mediums: watercolors, graphics, and oils. She specialized in the trompe-l'oeil style and meticulously created the still-life compositions she painted. A life-long resident of Fresno, she also documented historic Fresno landmarks in a series of pen and ink illustrations. Dorothy received many accolades throughout her career. She is listed in "Who's Who of American Women" and "Who's Who of the West" which chronicle her artistic accomplishments, awards and memberships, including Society of Western Artists and Fresno Women's Trade Club. She was a founding member of the Ken Maddy Central California Conference on Women in 1989 and continued to be an integral participant for decades. Her daughters and granddaughters are carrying on the tradition she started.

Dorothy and Ross met on a blind date and were married on May 18, 1952. They raised three daughters, and in addition to her artwork, she poured her creative energies into their home. She was an excellent seamstress using her sewing skills to make the sisters' matching outfits, Barbie clothes, and interior design projects. She was a "DIYer", before the term existed, with an eye for detail. She approached everything with an artful sensibility that enriched the lives of her family. As empty nesters, Dorothy and Ross embarked on adventures around the world. They traveled to over one hundred countries. She often painted watercolors on location and loved collecting art and dolls from different cultures which she prominently displayed. This was a wonderful time in their lives. Later in life she revisited her love of the piano and played daily.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Ross; daughters, Lynne (Charlie) Willis, Darlene (Charles Sasso) Cavalletto, and Sue (Mike) Mendoza.

Grandchildren, Rebecca, Ashley, John and James Willis; Sabrina Cavalletto-Bonilla and Savanna Cavalletto; Paige, Andrew and Scott Peters.

Great-grandchildren, Charlie and Tommy Davis; Ever Peters; Lennon and Lucy Peters; Valentino Amor and Khaos Cavalletto-Bonilla.

Celebration of Life, Saturday, December 9, 2023. Please contact Darlene Cavalletto on Facebook.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity.

Dorothy's family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff and caregivers at Apricot Mornings for their kindness, compassion, and care this past year.