Dorothy Maxine Nye

Dorothy Maxine Nye died peacefully in her own home on December 21, at the age of 96. She was in her home of 58 years in Riverside, CA, where she raised her son and daughter Michael and Patricia, and lived next door to her daughter Janice. Her longevity is at least partly due to her lifelong interest in health and nutrition.

Besides her three children, Dorothy is survived by her sister Donna, 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 34 great-great grandchildren--over 60 descendants. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Nye; her sister Louise, and her brother Ted, who she helped take care of toward the end of his life.

Dorothy was born on June 22, 1921 in Coalinga, CA to Claude Howard and Mary Johnston. At the age of 16, she moved out of the family home to earn money during the Depression as a live-in caregiver. She later worked as a messenger at Camp Haan Army Base during World War II, then at Bourne Electronics as a technician. After two marriages in which she welcomed her children into the world, she married Bob in 1969 and lived with him happily for the next 36 years. They led an active life together, spending time at the VFW and taking dozens of sightseeing bus tours within the western states.

Dorothy was a skilled sketch artist, and completed several portraits of her family over the years. She is remembered as a sociable, curious person who took great interest in people and new developments in the world.

All are welcome to celebrate Dorothy's life at her funeral on Saturday, January 6 at 1:00pm at Pierce Brothers-Crestlawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 11500 Arlington Avenue in Riverside. Reverend Robin Montgomery will officiate the ceremony, as he did for Robert.

Condolences may be mailed to 10429 Gramercy Place. The family would like to thank caregivers Kim, Mary Ann and Olga for their dedication and kindness to Dorothy.