HIGHLAND BEACH — Dorothy Jeanne Echeverria, a town resident who co-founded its turtle program, died April 15. She was 96.
Born June 6, 1924, in Utica, New York, the girl known as DJ graduated from New Hartford High School and attended Cornell University before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. It was during that time that she met and married Jose Echeverria, who was enlisted in the Marine Corps in San Francisco.
They were married for 67 years before Mr. Echeverria died at the age of 91.
During their life together, Jose and DJ lived in nine countries on five continents and visited many more. They lived 47 years in Highland Beach.
Always embracing people wherever she was, Mrs. Echeverria became fluent in the languages and learned the cultures of each country she lived in. She was an accomplished hostess, entertaining presidents and ambassadors of many countries alongside her beloved Jose.
DJ as a child and young woman was involved in dance, horseback riding, choral, sorority, golf and other sports.
Among their accomplishments later in life, the Echeverrias started the ongoing Highland Beach turtle program and were involved for more than 20 years.
The Echeverrias were God-fearing, proud Americans and instilled that pride in their children.
Mrs. Echeverria is survived by her son, Dale, and his wife, Jude; her daughter, Sue, and her husband, Michael; granddaughter Suzanne and her husband, Raul; grandson Michael and his wife, Kaitlyne; and great-granddaughters Olivia and Emma. Also surviving are her sister Suzanne Davis Warren and nephews David and Peter and their families.
Obituary submitted by the family
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