We will truly miss our Tia Dorina.  We have so many wonderful memories of her during our childhood. 

The memories of her visits to California and all the fun we had visiting the amusement parks.  My mom would be so happy when she was with us.  I remember when they sewed for days making party dresses for a New Years Eve dance.  I can still picture in my mind how beautiful they looked in those dresses Tia Dorina wore red and my mom wore black. 

My sister and brothers will miss her Piggy Christmas Card this year, I always looked forward to it.  We will cherish all the memories of her, they will live in our hearts and minds forever. 

We are praying for the family in Arizona to help them during this very difficult time.

Love your nieces and nephews from California,
Gloria, Geraldine,Victor and Sammy

Dorina was like a big sister and ongoing mentor to me.  I was 14 and she was 19 when I met her at her brother Bill's home. During the 50 wonderful years that I knew her, she improved my perspective of the world and shared her knowledge in areas that included; cooking, crocheting, knitting and many crafting projects.  

Dorina brought out and nurtured artistic talents I didn't even know I had. She taught me to believe in myself and encouraged my higher education goals.  One of the things I am most grateful for is that she provided me with a "positive parenting" role model. She was never too busy to lend a hand or the benefit of her wisdom.  She was a trusted big sister to me and a loving godmother to my daughter Bianca who loved her Nina Dorina. 

I can still hear Dorina's contageous laughter and will miss her and her unique sense of humor. Rest in peace, dear friend and sister. Love, Sherry

Any one who knew Dorina, knew she loved Pigs.  But few knew how her collection got started or why they were so dear to her.  

Although Dorina had a few cherished pigs from her teen years, her collection of pigs did not begin to grow until 1983 while working at Western Electric.  It could be said that the birth of her collection started from a verbal altercation with a male co-worker.  Being a minority woman in a traditionally male position, a male co-worker rebutted Dorina’s defense of his derogatory opinions about her female co-workers, and called her a “Pig”.  Since Dorina liked pigs, this did not offend her.  This resulted in much teasing from her peers, who in turn began gifting her with pigs and thus the collection began.  At last count in 2002, the collection was 2,600.  Among her most noteworthy pigs were a 100 year old silver pig tape measure, a 50+ year old rubber Porky Pig, a detailed porcelain pig that was no bigger than a dime, and a real life pot bellied pig named Lillian.  Pigs could be found all over Dorina’s house, yard, car, clothing, and jewelry.  She had dressed as a pig at Halloween, and Santa Pig and Rudolph Pig even appeared at Christmas.  

When you entered Dorina’s house you couldn’t help but become mesmerized by her enormous pig collection.  It was like visiting a museum of anything and everything pig.  It was fascinating how many she had and all so different.  Dorina never tired of being gifted with a new pig.  Even though those closest to her often complained about her over-abundant collection, they were the main culprits of this ever growing pig collection.  We all enjoyed this hobby.  We couldn’t pass a pig trinket at a store without at least thinking about buying it, if not buying it for her.  Although Dorina had over 3,000 pigs, she greeted each new addition with enthusiasm and excitement.  She could tell you who gave her most of them.  Most had a story.

In reviewing all this, it finally occurred to me that although Dorina’s own purchases contributed to her collection, the vast majority of them were given to her with love by family and friends and perhaps this was the reason she embraced them so.  They were/are a testament to how much she was loved.

My Aunt Dorina was more than an Aunt to me. She was so much part of our family. She would come over and have coffee and sweet bread with my Mom and Dad. I can still see her at our kitchen counter. She called my Dad "Bro" and she was "sis". She made my daughter Lauren a quilt of Chicken little because Lauren wanted Dorina  to read the book to her. She still has that quilt. She also made costumes for her. What a talent she had. Recently she would come over for haircuts and talk about her family and reminisce.She was going to teach me how to make cards.She will always be alive in our hearts with all the great memories we have of her.God bless you Dorina.

After my dad died, a co-worker wrote this letter to me and it had such a powerful impact.  I wanted to share it because it is so comforting after a loss.  He wrote: "I remember you telling me about your dad, what a strong effect he had in the world, how important he was to the family.  Such a wonderful presence will never be lost.  His mind and heart and energy will go way beyond this moment.  Feelings from grandparents very dear to me, who died a long time ago, stir the world for me in more important ways, the more time goes on. Although we can be very sensitive to this, and continually aware of it, the strength we get from their strength is more than we can ever keep track of.  When we teach we always hope to have some lasting influence on the kids, and as parents of course we're even more determined.  A big part of what we draw from in doing this comes from those who shaped us.  What an illusion it is that life has endings!"

So to Dorina (my fellow pig-lover)you will be missed, but you will live on in our hearts.

My heart aches for the loss of  this most beloved Aunt.  She was there from the start and a part of nearly every important event in my life.  She was many things to me, my favorite Aunt, like a second Mom, and in my adult years a special friend who shared common interest in sewing and crafts.  I loved her jolly, happy, enthusiastic face and how her eyes would light up when she would tackle a new creation.  She was always ready to jump on board and help out with special events.  I always enjoyed shopping with her and searching for special items needed to complete our projects.  She was relentless until we found just the right item.  One of her last special events was her son, Lee’s wedding.  She worked tirelessly with the arrangements.  It amazed me that although her health was already failing, she was running circles around me.  

My Aunt Dorina had a special way of always making me feel special and loved.  I feel so blessed to have a lifetime of happy memories of her.  I will miss her dearly.

EUOLOGY for Funeral Service of DORINA DAVIS read by nephew, Joseph Romero and written by son,Lee Davis.

The question is not what do we do now, but what we should not do.  Do not blame ourselves for not having done more- for my mom- or with my mom.  
Do not ponder the "if only I had...been there... or told her... or asked her.... or showed her" or all the endless "what ifs" that lay siege to our thoughts at times such as these.  Do not ask the question "what more could I have done?"  There was nothing more to do.

As her friends, we cherished her, loved her, and reveled in the happy times we spent with her.  We were blessed.
As her family, We sat at her bedside- each day she was in the hospital.  We were vigilent.
As her advocates, we discussed and deliberated with her doctors and nurses, regarding her care.  We were diligent.
As her protectors, we brought her home and watched over her- day and night.  We were unwavering.

We were doing all that could be done, on guard against the unthinkable; and the good Lord took her, from beneath our watchful eyes.  It was her time, he called her home, and there was nothing more we could do.  There is nothing more, for any of us to do, for my Mom's life, but we can all do something for her memory.  

Please share the stories you have of my Mom with anyone who will listen.  Recall all the happy times with her at every family get together.  Tell my new daughter about her Nana, and how she made the world a brighter place.  Help me keep the promise I made to my Mom.  To show my new daughter pictures of her Nana, and tell her stories about her grandmother.  Help me bring the memory of my mother to life, in my daughter's heart and mind.  Speak fondly of my Mom, and speak of her often.

All that is left for us to do is cherish the memory of my Mother, Dorina Davis, and share her life with each other.  To remember how fortunate we are to have known her, and how fortunate we all are to have each other.

Dorina will be dearly missed, 
she was my moms best friend. I can remember her and my mom spending countless hours sitting in the kitchen driving the rest of us crazy with the sound of incredibly loud laughter coming from them. I have so many memories of her while growing up, from going to her house to get our hair cut to watching her and my mom take part in all those crafts. Dorina the world is less fun without you.  Miss and Love you

My Nana Dorina has been a totally awesome person in my life! I always will remember when she would always defend me when Mr. Lee would pick on me, it was so funny because i knew Mr. Lee could never pick on me when Nana Dorina. Nana Dorina and I would also sometimes do cute little crafts together, which was always a good time! I will always miss her fun, outspoken personality and will cherish the wonderful moments we had together. 
LOVE YOU NANA!

October 08,2010
I have many cherished memories of Nana Dorina from the relatively short time that I have been a member of this remarkable family, but, I would like to share my first...
Lee, my now wonderful husband, went to talk to his mom ( whom I had yet to meet),about "us". He told her that you can't not like Mary Ann. She informed him that he was her BABY and she could in fact not like me. He brought this news to me a little smuggly. He was the cherished baby and mom didn't have to like me. 
I was to meet Nana Dorina the next morning. Needless to say I didn't sleep a wink. I don't recall ever being so nervous or concerned about making a good impression on anyone. 
KNOCK, KNOCK, Who is this Lady? Nana Dorina comes in with open arms and an open heart. Also bearing gifts of her treasured cards and a note sharing a little of herself with me. Nana treated me and my daughters like family instantly. 
I love you Nana, and I will miss you dearly! But rest assured knowing that our baby girl will know her Nana.

From a note written on mom's refrigerator... 
"Good health,
Good Friends,
A heart full of cheer,
May these be yours,
All through the year.

Love Dorina"

I would first like to send my condolences to Lee, Elvia and the rest of your family.  Mrs. Davis will be missed dearly.  We shared several really good times together and I'll cherish those memories forever.  I'd like to share some of those memories with all of you.  Lee and I used to put up the Christmas lights at her house.  I loved the Santa Claus Pig lights. We all would gather at Lee's house for a New Year celebration.  When Erin and Elizabeth were little, we would celebrate their birthdays with my sons.  For several years, we gathered and hid eggs on Easter.  As our families grew apart and the kids started to grow, those memories have and will always be close to my heart.  I feel I'm a better person for knowing Mrs. Davis.  Mrs. Davis and I would engage in conversations that could be considered almost argumentative.  Both of us firmly taking our positions on our platforms.  I always like to ask questions like "so, what did you think of that election"?  I generally would ask, only if the person she didn't like had won.  The first few New Year parties I celebrated without my wife at the party.  Mrs. Davis always asked where my wife was.  My answer would always get a conversation started. I would reply with "my wife has housework to do".  Anybody who didn't know both of us would think we were arguing.  My fondest memory is the New Year Party when she took up the challenge of riding on a motorcycle.  My bike was on the driveway and we went around the block.  Though she rode on the saddlebags and fender due to the solo seat.  She screamed all the way around the block holding up to the challenge and kicking fear to the curb.  In closing, I would like to say thanks for the memories and at family gathering when I say something stupid, I'll be listening for your response.

In going through mom's address book, trying to notify all of her friends, my wife and I came across a joke that mom found so funny she wrote it down. It is very odd to cry and laugh at the same time. I would like to share her joke with you... "what do you give a snake with allergies?... an anti-'hisss'-tamine."
Corny right, but we could hear her telling it, so it made us laugh. Hope it did the same for you.

I send my sumpthay to all of you who are missing Dorina so much.  I worked with her at AT&T in Phoenix and Mesa until she retired.  She was a good friend, and I will miss her smile and the special person she was.

    My condolences Elvia, Lee and family. Dorina was a beautiful and creative person. Dorina thank you for being a great friend. My prayers to all of you.
              Guadalupe Romero
              Glenn Heights, Tx

I will miss you dearly, my good friend Dorina but the memories you gave me I will keep forever, Thank you. One of many of your friends - Olga Luna-Jaquez (AT&T co-worker)

My Condolences to the Davis family. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
God Bless,
~Angie Chavez
(Elvia's co-worker)

I worked with Dorina for many years at AT&T and Belden. She was always about the family. I enjoyed working with her and she will be missed by many.

Respectfully,
Earl Clark.

Godspeed, Dorina

Dorina was a dear friend. She made the most beautiful christmas cards, and taught me to make many things. She had a big heart. I will miss her dearly.

OBITUARY

Dorina Davis

February 24, 1941 – September 24, 2010

Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens

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