Dorothy Catherine Miller

Dorothy Catherine (Swart) Miller age 99, passed away peacefully July 21, 2016 in Chico with her family at her side. She was the first child born to Antone and Mary Perry Dolin in 1916 at home in Honolulu, Hawaii. To this union were also born 3 more daughters and two sons. In 1925 the family moved from Oahu to Oakland, California. Dorothy continued her education graduating from Oakland High School and Heald Business College. She was employed in the offices of Atlas Diesel Engine and Kahn's Department Store both in Oakland. In 1938, she married H.R. "Russ" Swart and became a full time Mom once her children were born. Several years later, the family moved to from the Bay Area to Paradise. Dottie and Russ were charter members of the Ridge Runners Square Dance Club and developed some long lasting friendships. She was widowed in 1974 when Russ suddenly passed away. Many years later she met and married Lincoln Miller. They shared many happy times together, ballroom dancing and traveling until his death in 1994. She was fortunate to meet Edward Henze who became a dear friend and traveling companion, until his passing in 2008. Dottie's travels took her to Mexico to visit her son, on R.V. trips across the U.S., an Alaskan cruise, and several trips to Hawaii to visit family. In 1986 she attended a big family reunion celebrating the 100th year anniversary of her Portuguese grandparent's arrival in Hawaii. She had a deep love of nature which was reflected in her Paradise garden full of Dogwood trees, Azaleas, Rhododendrons and bird feeders. She was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church for 53 years and retired from Paradise Elementary School. In her later years she moved to Chico to be near her family. A warm and loving person, she made friends easily and regularly kept in touch by remembering their birthday or anniversary. She lived an amazing life and even toward the end would show her affection and appreciation for those taking care of her. She was deeply loved by her family. Those happy memories will remain in our hearts forever. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Russ and Lincoln, companion Edward, her sisters Margaret, Katherine, and Constance, and her brothers William and Robert. She is survived by her children Jan Wacker (Mike), Linda Valine (Steve), both of Chico and Harold "Hal" Swart (Marie Carmen) of Guadalajara, Mexico, 5 grand children, 5 great grand children, and 1 great- great grandchild. A graveside service will be held at the Paradise Cemetery September 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Donations in her name may be made to Paradise Hospice. The family is grateful to those who cared for her from Paradise Hospice, Sycamore Glen, and Windsor Chico Care Center. Brusie Funeral Home handled the arrangements