Mrs Dorothy "Dodie" Mon Pere

Dorothy June Mon Pere, who everyone called Dodie, passed away on Friday, June 3rd, 2022 at the age of 86 surrounded by her beloved children and a goodbye from her grandchildren just two days before her 87th birthday. Dodie was born in Culver City, California in 1935. She later moved to Fresno her senior year of high school and graduated from Fresno High in 1953. Following high school, Dodie attended Fresno State University where she was a member of Alpha Zi Delta Sorority and received her teaching credential in 1957. Following college, Dodie taught Physical Education at Fresno High before marrying Sherman Thomas. Sherman was a member of a prominent Westside Farming family. Together they had two children, Terri and Clay Thomas and resided in Firebaugh, CA. After the untimely death of Sherman, Dodie, Terri, and Clay moved back to Fresno where she later married Patrick J. Mon Pere, founder of Patrick James Menswear. In the early years of the men’s clothing store chain, Dodie often would be seen lending a helping hand in the original store in Fig Garden Village. Pat and Dodie added two boys to the family, Patrick and Michael Mon Pere. Dodie’s role as a mother took precedence and she spent much of her time as a teacher’s aide at St. Anthony of Padua where her 2 sons, and 2 of her grandchildren attended and many years later 3 more of her grandchildren would attend as well. She enjoyed being an active member in the community. She was a member in the Llanada Guild of Valley Children’s Hospital, a member of Junior League, former president of LARCS where she hosted many fundraising events over the years and was named Queen of the Fresno Beaux Arts.

Dodie had a huge heart and a deep love for her family and friends that was felt by all. Her role as a mother and grandmother was her biggest delight as was her canine companion, Maggie. Her door was always open, and drinks and snacks were always available to whomever walked in. She was a second mom to many as her kids were growing up. Among her 4 children, she was given 13 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Dodie never missed a birthday, special occasion, a game of Parcheesi, Canasta, or hearts, or the opportunity to tell her family how much she loved them. In her free time, she would join her beloved friends playing bridge, and attending her knitting and needlepoint group with them at Janna’s in Fresno. Her home away from home was located on the shore of beautiful Bass Lake where she loved to host her Bridge group and was often the meeting spot for family fun during the summer and holidays. Dodie loved animals of all kinds and always had a home full of pets.

Dodie is preceded in death by her parents Richard and Dorothy Nevins, husband Patrick J. Mon Pere.

She is survived by her children Terri Papagni and her companion Rusty Childers, Clay Thomas and his wife Nikki, Patrick M. Mon Pere and his wife Susan, Michael Mon Pere and his wife Erin. Her grandchildren Jim and his wife Lacie, Shea-Lynn, Chase and his wife Danielle, Cash and his wife Prisca, Skyler and her fiancé Sam, Logan, Tess, Mason, Ava, Patrick, Matthew, and Abby. Her 5 great grandchildren Kessler, Chance, Savvy, Cal, and Violet.

A Celebration of Dodie’s life will be held on Thursday, June 23rd, 2022, from 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. at the San Joaquin Country Club in Fresno.

A private interment will be held at Oakhill Cemetery in Oakhurst.

Please consider a remembrance on behalf of Dodie and her love of animals at an Animal Rescue/Shelter of your choice.