Doreen Mary Gardner Tupajic, born December 30, 1947 in Newark, NJ, passed peacefully surrounded by her loved ones early in the morning on June 1, 2024 in Mission Viejo, CA. She was lovingly called Dor by her close friends, Mom by her daughter Candice, and Gram by her precious grandson Zachary.

Born to Nathaniel and Cecilia Gardner, she grew up in Belleville, NJ with her older brother Nathan. She had a large family that she enjoyed spending time with as she grew up. She attended Catholic school all of her life which formed her deep faith in God. She graduated in 1969 from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. She went on to graduate from Caldwell University earning advanced degrees in both psychology and sociology.

She worked as a teacher in Newark, NJ. In 1975 she achieved one of her lifelong dreams which was to move to California. She and Robert, and their dog Reks, moved to Beverly Hills. They had a quick stop in Cleveland, Ohio where they owned and ran a restaurant to save up their money to move across the country. They went on to have a painting company in California before they had their daughter, Candice.

After Candice was born, she was delighted to work from home and raise her until she was older. Doreen resumed her teaching career at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Downey. She went on to teach in Long Beach Unified School District for 25 years focusing her talents on Special Education. She had a lasting impact on so many lives. She had a true gift to reach people in all walks of life.

She led her life serving others. Her favorite quote is from St. Teresa of Calcutta which was "You can do no great things. Only small things with great love." She would give that love freely. These are words she lived by daily. She found peace through prayer, particularly praying the Rosary or the Memorare Novena of Mother Teresa.

Doreen loved spending time with her family and friends she called family. She was kind and loving. Her daughter and grandson were her pride and joy. They were the most important people to her. She would often say she was honored to be their mom and Gram, but they were truly blessed to have her. She was always front and center at every event supporting the two of them throughout their lives.

In her free time, Doreen enjoyed reading or watching her favorite show Everybody Loves Raymond. She enjoyed cooking and was always quick to find a new recipe to try. She loved to go to Disneyland, especially with Zach.

Services will be held at 10:00 am on January 3, 2025 at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church, 22082 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.