Dorothy Victoria “Vicki” Hernandez

Dorothy Victoria (Vicki) Acree, 94, passed away at her home on October 4, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Mabel Hernandez, brother Harry Hernandez, sister Rose Quijas, her two sons, Paul and Stephen, and her husband Paul Acree. Dorothy will be laid to rest on November 13, 2024 beside her husband at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date by the family.

Dorothy was born on March 6, 1930, and raised in the Armourdale District of Kansas City, Kansas. She graduated from Argentine High School with high honors. After high school she pursued studies in psychiatry at the Junior College of Kansas City with aspirations of becoming a nurse. While awaiting her acceptance into nursing school, she took a Navy test on a dare from some friends and decided to enlist. It was during her time in the Navy that she met her husband, Paul. Together, they raised six children.

Vicki had an active and trailblazing career, starting as an air traffic controller in the Navy’s “WAVES” program. She enjoyed the challenges and precision required of her position and was acutely aware of her responsibility to safely land the planes carrying wounded soldiers during the Korean War conflict. After she was honorably discharged from the Navy, Vicki pursued a career in public service. She was the first Mexican American woman to work for the Coronado Police Department, where she served as a dispatcher. She continued her career as a dispatcher after moving back to Kansas City, MO.

She held fond memories of living in Cuba, Guam, and San Diego, where Navy opportunities for Paul allowed them to experience life by the ocean—something she cherished. A devout Catholic, Vicki was involved in the Charismatic Catholic movement and taught catechism and confirmation classes at her local parish in California. Her faith was central to her life. She was known for offering spiritual counsel and prayers to those in need, relying on her faith to support herself and others through difficult times. Later in life, after Paul’s passing, she reconnected with her Hispanic heritage through Kansas City’s Hispanic community, where she met her long-term companion, Lupe.

Family was the heart of Vicki’s life. She set great store in her weekly breakfasts with her daughters, often joined by her grandchildren, which became a treasured tradition. She especially enjoyed catching up with her out-of-town children and grandchildren during their visits. She also loved spending time with her sister Delores, and together they enjoyed their casino trips. In her later years, she liked watching the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Padres on TV with her son David.

Throughout her life, Vicki maintained close connections with friends from both high school and the service. She stayed in touch with many of them—and even some of their children—through regular letter writing, a practice she truly enjoyed. Vicki also found joy in hosting and attending garage sales. During her dancing days, she loved the salsa and cumbia.

Dorothy is survived by her children, David, Theresa, Deborah and Christopher James, son-in-law, Michael, daughter-in-law, Monica, her sister Delores (husband Thomas), her brother Richard, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, and extended family members.

The family extends special thanks to Whitney and Laura for their loving care and support during Vicki’s final years.