Dorothy Eleanor Nearing of Milford, Pa., passed peacefully into everlasting life on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, at Milford Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Westfall Township, Pa. She was 96.
Daughter of the late William and Eva (Dall) Jones, she was born June 14, 1924, in Yonkers, N.Y., on Flag Day, a fact she was always proud of.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Louis A. Nearing Sr.; her treasured sisters and brothers in-law, Eva and Arthur George, Mary and Fred Gallagher, and Emma and Bob Wesley; her best friend from childhood; Ethel Burlison; her stepdaughter and husband, Sandy and Paul Gillette; her grandson, Bradley; and great-granddaughter, Abigail.
Dorothy met Lou in the early 1960s and a great love began. Their marriage blended her six, his two, and welcomed three more with a total of 11 children between them.
She is survived by her beloved children and their spouses, Stephen and Olena Machutta, Donald and Bernadette Machutta, Diane MacHutta Dantzer, Daniel and Sheila MacHutta, Douglas and Lisa MacHutta, Dwight and Denise MacHutta, Jane Nearing Stewart, Andrea and Sal Spiezio, Louis and Sandy Nearing and Dorothy and Mike Barth. The lights of her life continue with 35 grandchildren, Kim, Renee, Stephen, Jason, Nathan, Donald, Dean, Glenn, Robert, Tommy, Tonya, Trisha, Melissa, Mary, Amanda, Douglas, Christopher, Domini, Jessica, Johnny, Kendall, Scott, Todd, Adam, Eric, Brian, Chad, Michael, Holly, Jack, Jenna, Drew, Tyler, Joey and Jacob; and another generation of love and life with 50 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Dorothy is also survived by countless extended family members and friends.
Dorothy’s love of the Lord was always prominent in her life. She shared her love with all who knew her. She served in so many ways, Sunday School teacher, leader of bible study, ordained Elder. Her service took many forms, too many to count. She was an avid reader and loved learning. She would tell the story of when she was a little girl, caught reading by her mother many nights using a flashlight under the blankets. She loved to crochet, play cards and board games, and was an avid sports enthusiast. A loyal New York Mets fan from their beginning. One of her happiest places was on the dance floor. Dorothy was always genuinely interested in the people she met and made friends easily with her quick wit and easy laughter. Having learned early on that the greatest gift is love, her greatest love was her family, and that is truly her legacy.
Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff and devoted caregivers of the Milford Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Final internment will take place in Milford Cemetery, Dingman Township, Pa.
Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice to express kindness and help in the spirit of our nurturing mother Dorothy.
Arrangements are by Stroyan Funeral Home, Milford.