Nina Wilder

With love and deep sadness we announce the passing of Nina May Wilder of Lakewood, CA on Tuesday September 8, 2026, at the age of 96.

Nina was born Nina May Rodriguez in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1930 to Ralph and Adela Rodriguez. She was married to Rev. G. Leon Wilder in 1958. They lived in Texas until 1971, when the family moved to Long Beach, CA. They had two daughters, Nancy and Patti. The couple were married 54 years when Leon passed away in 2012.

Nina worked as a music teacher, and as secretary to an attorney before she was married. She devoted herself to raising their two daughters, and later worked as secretary to the legal advisor of LBUSD from 1978 until she retired in 1996. Nina loved music, and was very involved with church, friends, family, her grandchildren and “grand dogs”. She will be deeply missed.

Nina is survived by her two daughters, Nancy Wilder and Patti Wilder Dallarosa, two grandchildren Kevin M. Oehl and Sarah Oehl, and two great grandsons, Jaxon and Kaden.

Nina Wilder was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1930. She passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026 in Cypress, CA.

Nina was pre-deceased by her husband Leon in 2012. She is survived by daughters Nancy and Patti, grandchildren Kevin and Sarah, and great grandchildren Jaxon and Kaden.

Nina dearly loved her family and friends. She worked at various times as a music teacher, and as secretary to legal advisors and attorneys. She was a member of her church choir, youth choir director, Jr. High youth group co-leader, and had many other roles at various times at her church.

Nina was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Family was first in her life. We who survive her are very grateful to have had her in our lives. She had a sassy sense of humor, and all who new her loved her. She will be incredibly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.