NIVE VALENCIA DONWORTH's Obituary
NIVE V. DONWORTH, 87
Nive V. Donworth was born in Quibdó, Colombia on December 7, 1927. She died peacefully in her home, in Miami, FL, in the arms of her two loving daughters, on June 20, 2015.
A watercolor artist, avid reader, world traveler, and volunteer in community organizations, Nive most loved being mom, grandmother, family and friend to the many wonderful people in her life. She loved playing cards, talking on the phone with friends near and far, and doing crossword puzzles. One of her favorite pastimes was taking long walks on the Gulf beach at Longboat Key, Florida.
Nive was a devoted Catholic and a long-time member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Nutley, NJ, the town she lived in for 32 years before moving to Miami, FL.
Nive was born into a large family of four brothers (Guillermo, Gaston, Reinaldo, and Jorge) and three sisters (Josefina, Nive (namesake), and Gloria). All are predeceased except Gloria, as are Nive's parents Reinaldo and Raquel.
Nive was predeceased by her loving husband John Joseph Donworth, Jr. (d. 1975). She was also predeceased by her young son, John Joseph III (d. 1966). Nive is survived by her daughters Patricia Ann, Mary Elizabeth (Lev), and her son Thomas Andrew (Leslie). She is also survived by two grandchildren, John Laurence and Myles Thomas. Nive is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews. She was especially close to her sister Gloria's three children and their families: Isa (Roberto), Jacqueline (Mauricio), and Arturo.
Nive was the life of every party. Her infectious joy and laughter will never be forgotten, nor her playfulness with loved ones, and her happiness and delight in sharing life with her family, her many friends, and her dear relatives in Colombia and Chile. Her laughter can already be heard in Paradise in the company of her loved ones.
Nive's last days were spent in the care of VITAS hospice in her home. VITAS is to be commended for the extraordinary medical and nursing care afforded her in her final days.
The family will be holding private ceremonies both in Miami and New Jersey later in the summer.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to United Way of Miami-Dade, in honor of “Nive V. Donworth.”
Nive had a life-long devotion to the Blessed Mother.
"Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy.
Hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope!"
What’s your fondest memory of NIVE?
What’s a lesson you learned from NIVE?
Share a story where NIVE's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with NIVE you’ll never forget.
How did NIVE make you smile?
