Dorcas Lillian Bates was born in Woodbury, New Jersey.

Attended high school, likely developing interests in home economics and cooking which were common electives for young women at the time.

Dorcas graduated from Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University) with a degree in Home Economics. This education provided her with a strong foundation in food science, nutrition, and culinary arts.

Likely considered various career paths open to home economics graduates, possibly teaching, working in nutrition, or in the food industry.