Nancy Helen Amerine, 84, died Sunday, Sept. 18.
She was born and raised in Detroit, Mich. While working at an insurance company in Detroit, she met and quickly fell in love with Mervin Amerine in 1946. Mervin was passing through Detroit on a Friday when he met Nancy. It was love at first sight. They began a whirlwind romance, which ended that Sunday with an accepted marriage proposal. Six months later they were husband and wife. While her husband was away serving his country during the Korean War, she did her part working at an ammunition depot in Riverbank. She was also very involved in the family business by working as the office manager of Amerine Air at the Oakdale Airport.
Mrs. Amerine was a member of the United Methodist Church in Oakdale for many years before moving to First United Methodist Church in Turlock. She was a charter member of the Oakdale Country Club, was very involved in Republican Party politics, and enjoyed 50 years with amazing friends in her Oakdale bridge club.
She and her husband loved to travel to spectacular locations around the world. Her fondest memories came from their trips to Hawaii and the South Pacific. She was also known for her fabulous cooking; a passion that she lovingly shared with her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Joseph) Kollmeyer of Waterford; son, Cavan Wells (Kathryn Duclo) Amerine of Manteca; grandchildren, Alisa (Donovan) Finch of Reno, Nev., Stephanie (Bruno) Cerri of French Camp, Richard Freitas of San Diego, Lori (Dr. Steven) Chang of Lafayette, Tanya (Justin) White of Denair; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Mervin; her parents; and a sibling.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7 at First United Methodist Church. Remembrances may be made in her memory to Alzheimer’s Aid Society, 700 McHenry Ave., Suite B, Modesto, CA 95350.
Allen Mortuary, Turlock in charge of arrangements.