In 1941, 15-year-old Dolores was working as a car hop at a drive-in in San Jose, California. One night she brought local apricot grower Anthony Ponce a cup of coffee. He never saw her again, never contacted her, and never spoke about her to family members, but after he died at aged 58 in 1968, a reclusive bachelor, his 1947 will provided that she inherit most of his $300,000 estate. Court costs, lawyers' fees, and negotiations reduced the amount considerably, but the will was eventually upheld. After the news made headlines in December 1968, Dolores admitted that "unfortunately, for the life of me, I can't remember the man." She then reflected on his gift to her: "Life is truly an extraordinary procession. What a beautiful thing. It's phenomenal. I'm not living in poverty, certainly. But my reaction was one of marvel, awe.".
