Edith "Dorene" Hiscox

Edith Dorene Hiscox, a devoted mother, community leader, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Corvallis, Oregon at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 19, 1931, at Seaside Hospital in Crescent City, California, Dorene was the cherished daughter of Charles D. Johnson and Thelma (Hazel) Fultz Johnson. Dorene's life was marked by her unwavering commitment to family, community, and service. She met the love of her life, William "Bill" H. Hiscox, in high school. They eloped and married on July 21, 1949, in Reno, Nevada. The returned to their home in Eureka, California where their marriage, a testament to enduring love, spanned an incredible 72 years, until Bill's passing. A graduate of Eureka High School, Dorene pursued her education graduating from Humboldt State College (now Cal Poly Humboldt), where she excelled in business and secretarial studies. Her career with the US Postal Service began when her youngest son, Tom, left for college. Scoring an impressive 92% on the Postal Service Clerk Exam, Dorene embarked on a distinguished career, ultimately serving as Postmaster in Bayside, Ferndale, and Gasquet, California. She was a respected trainer and interim postmaster, traveling across Northern California to mentor new postmasters and their staff. Dorene and Bill co-owned several businesses in Fieldbrook, California, and she, along with her husband "Bill", was a founding member of the Fieldbrook Volunteer Fire Department. In a pioneering move, she organized a group of women, later, affectionately known as the "Smokettes," to provide fire coverage while the men worked out of the area. Her community service extended to two terms as Secretary of the Humboldt Grand Jury in Eureka, California. After Bill's passing, Dorene moved to Stoneybrook Assiisted Living in Corvallis, Oregon. There she embraced a new chapter of independence, enjoying visits from her loving family and "cherishing" her own apartment for the first time in her life. As her health began to decline, her family rallied around her, providing care and comfort in her final days. Special thanks to Bill and Pam, along with Tom and Caroline, and their children for their dedication and help. Family was the heart of Dorene's life. She took immense pride in her role as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her home was a haven of warmth and love, where everyone felt welcomed. As her daughter Sandra fondly recalls, Dorene was a "Great" giver of hugs. Dorene's dedication to her children's well-being was evident in her involvement as a den mother for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, a leader for Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls, and a supporter of 4H, FFA, FBLA, and various sports. She would drive the many miles to town to ensure that her children could be involved in the clubs, sport activities and other school activities in their teen years. Her children would lovingly say that she enjoyed the football games as much, if not more, than they did. Beyond her family, Dorene was active in her community, participating in the PTA, Women's Club, Grange, and volunteering for numerous causes. She balanced these commitments with her responsibilities on the family ranch, where she milked cows, tended gardens, and cared for livestock. Her children fondly remember churning cream into butter, harvesting vegetables, and even doing laundry with a wringer washing machine. Dorene is survived by her four children: Barbara Jones (Mike), Sandra Abedi, William R. Hiscox (Pam), and Thomas H. Hiscox (Caroline), as well as her 14 grandchildren; Monica Weidner (Chris), Michael Jones Jr, Sarah Hillyard (Matt), Joe Abedi (Cassandra), Halleh Abedi (Todd), Matt Abedi (Phoebe), Heidi Clodfelter, Jennifer Hiscox, Hillary Hiscox, Kelly Hiscox, Racheal Thomas (Robert), William H. Hiscox (Danielle), Emily Jacobsen (Alex), Jacob Hiscox (Emma), 37 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews will also miss her dearly. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Bill, her parents Charles and Hazel Johnson, her sister Margorie Ingebretsen, and lifelong friends Joan Costa and Betty Lambeth. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Mad River Grange Hall, 110 Hatchery Road, Blue Lake, California. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Stoneybrook Assisted Living, Samaritan Evergreen Hospice, and especially Derek, Sadie, and Ashli for their compassionate care and support during Dorene’s final days. As we say our farewells, we hold close the memories of her grace, love, and dedication, finding solace in knowing that her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched.