Dolly was an exquisite human being and a shining example of love, compassion, kindheartedness, encouragement, generosity, dedication, and hard work. Full of grace and mercy, she was tireless in her lifelong love of family, friends, and her community. Never forgetting those who were less fortunate, she noticed the needs of others and responded with kindness and generosity.
Dolly grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from Dorsey High School in 1946.The Asadurian family moved to Van Nuys in 1948 where she worked with her brothers and sisters in the family rubbish business. Their home gave her the space to begin her lifelong love of rose gardening. Dolly was gifted with a beautiful voice and a love of music, she sang in the church choir and for countless weddings, including her own and her daughters.
With her entrepreneurial spirit, she opened a hot dog stand, “The Shack” in the heart of Canoga Park that quickly became the popular local spot. It was there that she met Don Goodrow, who relentlessly pursued her. They married on June 3, 1951, and had 62 years together. They were blessed with two children, Brad and Donnell, and made their home in Chatsworth until they moved to Westlake Village in 1974.
With her husband Don she worked to grow their own family business, Hillside Rubbish Company, from 1958 to 1999. In those early days Dolly worked hard and was the most beautiful, friendly, “hands on” principal of the company. After the sale of the family business they spent their time with family and friends.
They loved to travel and visited much of America, Europe, and parts of Asia. She enjoyed having her daughter Donnell and her family nearby and treasured the time she had with her grandchildren. Her son Brad built a house for her on his ranch in Creston, Calif. and she loved spending time there.
A few of her favorite charities were the Armenian Missionary Association of America’s Orphans Fund, The Westside Guild of The Ararat Home of Los Angeles, Republican Women organizations, San Fernando Historical Society, and St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church.
Relationships were important to Dolly. For years, she and Don met each day for breakfast at a local restaurant in Westlake Village. Dolly called their group “the coffee clutch.” This was where friendships were made and all the world’s problems were in the process of being solved.
Strangers were only friends Dolly had not met yet, and Dolly has left a legacy of friendships. She truly loved God and loved people.
Dolly is survived by her son, Brad Goodrow, daughter Donnell Nichols, son-in-law Bill Nichols, grandsons Ryan and Tyler Nichols, granddaughter Katie Nichols, and her sisters Marilyn Burmaster and Gladys Smith.
Services will be held Tuesday, July 22, 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Armenian Church
17231 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91406. Call Cindy for details (818) 707-8815.
In lieu of flowers, Dolly and the family request donations to the Westside Guild of the Ararat Home of Los Angeles, c/o Liliana Youssoufian, Treasurer, 22409 S. Summit Ridge Circle, Chatsworth, CA, 91311 (818) 700-1402
Aunt Dolly was an incredible woman with such a big heart. I am blessed to have known her. Prayers to her beautiful family.