CHRISTINE E. DOBBINS

Christine E. Dobbins (a/k/a Mimi) daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and character extraordinaire, lived life at full speed, dying a peaceful death Westminster Oaks Health Center on February 12, 2018. A Parade of Love flowed in and out of her room 5 days before her earthly departure with family, friends, residents, and staff coming to bid a final tearful Adieu, recalling Mimi stories of an unfiltered life, which added texture and bumps Along the Way.

Mimi was 89 years young, having outlived her generation, and her former husband. A native Virginian, she was born in Salem, a small yet important town in the SW corner of the state, on November 11th, then known as Armistice Day. The youngest of an older sister and brother, her father was a WWI Army veteran, having suffered the loss of a leg while serving in France. Growing up during the Depression years was financially difficult though Mimi overcame her humble beginnings through grit, determination, and spirit.

Marrying early at 17 to a returning local WWII combat Marine veteran
(Pete), she traveled extensively and frequently while birthing and rearing two sons. A favorite duty station was living in Quito, Ecuador, 1961-63 and maintaining an active social and church life lived among military, State Department, missionary, and local personalities. While there, she was cast as the free spirited, returned to life, deceased wife Elvira in the local production of Noel Coward's play, Blithe Spirit. The role came naturally.

Chris lived in Gainesville, FL since 1969 where she was a member of 1st United Methodist Church, the Eastern Star, as well as serving others in various volunteer roles. An excellent cook, she loved people, travel, dogs, cats, and birds, while bequeathing a taste for the finer things in life-chocolate and ice cream, to her children and grandchildren.

After a fall in Tallahassee while visiting her son, she lived at Westminster Oaks the last seven years, being attended to by a loving and caring community of residents and an exceptional, nurturing staff who live the Golden Rule and for whom the family extends an endless and heartfelt- 100,000 THANK YOUs.

Chris is survived by two sons: Dan (Tallahassee); Tim (Philadelphia); and four grandchildren, Courtney (NYC); Rebecca (Lugano, Switzerland); John (Philadelphia); and Matt (Falls Church, VA).

The Parade of Love mentioned above unfolded as Mimi's Memorial Service, including the service of Holy Communion the day before her death by friends from Faith Presbyterian Church. Her ashes will be buried in the Memorial Gardens at historic 1st UMC Gainesville with a private family memorial service. If inclined, a donation may be made to the Employees' Christmas Fund (Westminster Oaks/Tallahassee) or by visiting the aging.

Dan said to her one day not long ago while sitting outside on the WO Bistro patio: "Mom, it's a good life." Without missing a beat, she replied, "Yes, as long as you don't die." May you enjoy your life as much as Mimi did hers?
Rocky Bevis of Bevis Funeral Home of Tallahassee (850/385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Dobbins family with their arrangements.