Dorothy Mosby, Sept. 18, 1922–Sept. 25, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Dorothy Mosby has passed away. She passed away one week after her 100th birthday.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter Joyce Vieira, grandsons Richard Katen and Robert (Melanie) Katen, granddaughter Amanda DeZelle, nephew Don (Jean) DeMotto, her only living cousin Raymond Gama, great grandchildren Coleman, Jade, Carson and Caleb Katen and great-great granddaughter Everly Katen.
Dorothy was born in Firebaugh, California. She grew up in Santa Clara on the El Camino when it was a gravel road. During the depression, times were tough. She was married off at a young age.
She married Joseph Vieira in the late 1930’s and they had four wonderful children, Robert, Joyce, Arthur, and Christine. Together they owned and operated their own dairy. In the late 1950’s, they started one of the first roping arenas in San Jose off Tully Road. They then moved to the top of Norwood off White Road where they had their dairy business and second roping arena.
In the late 1960’s Dorothy met, fell in love and married Edward Mosby. They had a roping arena in San Martin off Murphy Avenue where the airport is today. When the decision was made to build the airport they were forced to sell and purchase a new home on Sycamore Avenue. Here they built one of the first covered arenas in Santa Clara County. The Mosby Arena soon became the hangout for all the local cowboys and cowgirls and this is where Dorothy became even more well-known and liked for her amazing hamburgers. At the same time, they also owned and operated El Rancho Saddle Shop in San Jose, from the late 1960’s well into the 1970’s.
Dorothy was an accomplished roper. She would love to tell stories about roping with Ed and her son Artie. But, she was most proud of the time that she and Joyce won the All Girl Roping in Red Bluff.
Dorothy was truly one of a kind. She always greeted you with that infectious smile and made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. Anybody who was fortunate to know her, absolutely loved and adored her. She had a huge heart and always wanted the best for everyone. Dorothy loved a good party and loved to dance.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents Jack and Mary Gama, husband Edward Mosby, children Robert Vieira, Arthur Vieira, and Christine DeZelle, and granddaughter Patty Katen.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local High School Rodeo Association, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.