Dorothy Nichols Wiscombe Geiger
Dorothy Nichols Wiscombe Geiger
In Loving Memory
Dorothy Nichols Wiscombe Geiger, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother has returned to the arms of her loving Father in Heaven, parents, husband and family on November 3, 2022. She was 96 years old and died in Lehi, Utah surrounded by her family.
She was born on July 13, 1926 as the second child of Ferron Veron Nichols and Kate Eliza Russell Nichols in Salt Lake City, Utah. At the age of three years, Dorothy lost her mother and older brother, Ferron in the same year. Her father, Veron married Margaret Claire Tibbitts and provided a loving home for Dorothy and her siblings Faye, Shanna and Byron.
In 1947 Dorothy married Howard Owen Wiscombe. Dorothy and Howard were married for nearly 55 years. They are the parents of three beautiful daughters; Lynne, Lori, and Cheryl. Howard and Dorothy lived a colorful life together. Activities included their involvement with Jaycees, traveling the world with family and friends, running a travel agency and being active in local politics. She and Howard were stationed in Belize for two years with the Peace Corp. She loved aiding women in setting up their own businesses. Dorothy was a guide on Temple Square where she enjoyed serving for nearly seven years. Howard passed away in 2002. In 2005, Dorothy married Julian Geiger. He became her sidekick and traveling partner for some 14 years. He passed away in 2021.
Dorothy found great joy in being actively involved in church, civic, and volunteer programs. One of the greatest highlights of her life was assisting Dr. Aziz Atiya in compiling The Coptic Encyclopedia. Dorothy loved planning spectacular dinners and parties for family and friends. Their annual 4th of July BBQs at their Bountiful home on the creek were always a hit. Right up to the end of her life, she loved making new friends. Friends for Life and Eternal Families were not just a slogan, but a creed she sought to live by.
We have record of her wit and wisdom through her prolific writing (typed and beautifully scripted). She sent hundreds of letters on a vast array of subjects. From personal travel, Peace Corp happenings, Thanksgiving letters where she counted her blessings and reminded us to do the same, cards to the grandchildren with tiny sketches or riddles or silly poems. We loved the Mimi-isms she shared in these letters. The personal letters she wrote contained profound wisdom, counsel and often a contract to help us reach the potential she saw in us. Being a woman of words, it’s unclear how she successfully and consistently taught us all the wrong words to every song. However, she did it with such confidence we continue to sing the words wrong in her honor.
Dorothy took great pride in knowing that she was a descendent of Mayflower Pilgrims and westward bound Pioneers who settled in Utah. Her membership in the Mayflower Society and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers reflected her interest in the lives of those who would embrace a cause and risk everything to succeed. Whenever a pity party began, she always reminded us of our Pilgrim ancestors who survived on five kernels of corn. She taught us gratitude by having us express Five Thankfuls. This taught us to look outward when feeling down. Much of Dorothy’s time in recent months has been occupied bravely fighting the challenges of getting older and gaining a broader understanding of her life’s purpose. Inadvertently she has taught us all lessons of bravery, strength and endurance as she finished her mortal journey.
Dorothy’s greatest hope and personal focus was always on the well-being and future for her children and grandchildren. All of us have been touched by her generosity, insight, and care. While we will miss her, we are so grateful to her for teaching us what it means to “Live Life to the Fullest”.
Dorothy is just saying goodbye for a while to her surviving family. Her three daughters: Lynne (Gil) Wilburn, Lori Wiscombe, and Cheryl (Jeff) Clyde. Nine grandchildren: Lise, Matt, Chad, Emily (proceeded in death) Wilburn, Kevin and Sean Blickfeldt, Jenny, Rachel and Taylor Clyde. 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. Dorothy is also survived by her sisters Faye (Dale) Reeves, Shanna (Charlie, proceeded in death) Toepfer, and Byron (Jeni) Nichols.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Bellaview Assisted Living and Canyon Hospice for their tender care of mom in her final days. Mom loved them dearly and they expressed the same to her always.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, November 9th, at 12:00 PM at the LDS Chapel located at 5848 West Timpanogos Hwy, Highland, Utah. A viewing will be held before the service from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park at 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. For additional information contact the Warenski Funeral Home in Highland, Utah.
For those unable to join us in person, services will be streamed live at the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/96870050054?pwd=TWhEZ0U3djhCY0JyVkZnc0NpZmp0dz09