Dorothy Darlene Popek

Dorothy Darlene Popek was born November 26, 1932 in Visalia, CA. She was the only child of Albert and Marie Matzenbacher. Dorothy died peacefully early Sunday morning on June 23, 2019 at home in Bakersfield, CA. She is survived by her husband of almost 52 years, Herbert Popek; her son Will Popek of Bakersfield; her daughter Connie and Troy Hernstedt of Morgan Hill, CA; and by her nine grandchildren: Rebekah, John, Julieann, Jordyn, and Rylee Popek and Danielle, Cheyanne, Shelby, and Seth Hernstedt. As a child, Dorothy lived with her parents in Hanford, CA. Their family moved to Bakersfield in 1936. In 1948, Dorothy and her father began to attend gospel meetings where she made her choice to serve God. She graduated from Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield College with a degree in Arts. Upon graduation she became a florist at Cinderella Flower Shop and then later on at Westchester Flower Shop where her passion for flowers and flower arranging blossomed. All who knew Dorothy would soon discover that she loved all things to do with flowers. On August 14, 1967, Herbert and Dorothy married in San Jose, CA. They lived almost their entire married life in Bakersfield where they raised their two children. Dorothy had an unquestionable love for her husband, children, and grandchildren. She also loved the Sunday morning meeting they have had in their home for 45 years. Dorothy loved to read her bible and follow the teachings of Jesus. With her passing, she will be dearly missed. Dorothy's final resting place will be at the Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin, CA.