Barbara Jayne Dohrmann

LOS ANGELES - Barbara Jayne Hysong Dohrmann, 86, passed away in Los Angeles on August 19, 2023, after a short illness.  She was born March 4^th, 1937, at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital to William and Eloise Hysong, the first of their two daughters.

She was a student leader at Alexander Hamilton High School and continued as an undergraduate at USC.  She was active in many campus organizations, including being a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, the Student Senate, and the Associated Women Students cabinet.  She also served as president of Trojan Amazons and was active in Trojan Chest, Troy Camp, and the ’58 Club.  She was a life-long Trojan alumnus, supporting scholarship programming through the Women of Troy and Town & Gown, as well as being a regular attendee for most USC home football games.

Barbara graduated in 1958 with a BS in Business Administration and immediately continued studies at the USC Gould School of Law, completing her education with an LLB in 1962 and earning membership to Phi Delta Delta Legal Fraternity.  She was admitted to the California State Bar in 1963, and she was sworn in to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1978.

While at law school she met classmate and future husband, Robert M. Dohrmann.  They married on June 22, 1963, at St Victor Church in Los Angeles.  Barbara and Bob welcomed their children, Robert and Jennifer, to the family over the next few years.

Barbara began her career as an attorney in the insurance industry, followed by a long career as In-House Counsel to the Charles Dunn Company.  She practiced law for more than 50 years, including pro bono work for the Salvation Army Booth Memorial Home & Hospital, and the Bel Air Skycrest Property Owners Association.  

Barbara and Bob were enthusiastic travelers, especially with the College of Labor & Employment Lawyers of the ABA, traveling the world and learning about the history of the places they visited. Some of her favorite trips included stops in the UK, visiting glaciers in Alaska and tortoises in the Galapagos Islands, and witnessing first-hand the Berlin Wall coming down in 1989.

On top of embodying the role of wonderful mother, she embraced the role of “grammy” like only Barbara could.  Her wry sense of humor and generous spirit will be sorely missed.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Robert M. Dohrmann; children Robert J. (Kathleen), and Jennifer; grandchildren, Robert L. and Willa; and by her sister, Patricia Maisch.

A memorial service and interment will be held at 2:00 pm on September 7, 2023, at Wee Kirk o’ the Heather Chapel, Forest Lawn Glendale.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Town & Gown of USC to support student scholarships, to Loyola High School, to Marymount High School, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.