Dorothy Miofsky Nicoloff

Dorothy Miofsky Nicoloff passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday April 15, 2021 in El Cajon, California, at the age of 97.

Dorothy was born on August 21, 1923 in Madison, Illinois, across the river from Saint Louis. She was the only child of Alex Miofsky and Fanna Backaloff Miofsky, Macedonian immigrants. When she was in elementary school the family temporarily moved to Boulder City, Nevada for a few years during the depression, where her father worked on Boulder (Hoover) Dam. After graduating from Granite City high school, she attended secretarial school and then worked as an executive secretary for a Saint Louis insurance company for many years. She enjoyed many wonderful adventures in the area with her group of cousins and girlfriends, taking trips to cities south along the Mississippi River and around the Gulf of Mexico.

In her thirties, her family decided it was high time for her to marry, and arranged a meeting with a likely prospect, a good Macedonian boy who was brother to her cousin’s wife. The meeting went well, and in December 1958 Dorothy and Nicholas Nicoloff were married. Dorothy, along with her parents, moved to Nick’s house in San Diego, where she lived for over 50 years. As she had never had her own household, Dorothy had to learn to cook. Fortunately, husband Nick had worked in his dad’s restaurant, the Aztec drive-in when he was younger and could teach her. Her only child Nicholas Jr was born in October 1960 and immediately became the center of attention. Their large extended family in Southern California got together often for picnics, dinners and holidays.

Dorothy was a homemaker who had many artistic pursuits, including watercolor painting, knitting, needlepoint, and pottery. She passed her love of art and artistic talent on to granddaughter Catherine. She also loved to play games and cards which she taught her grandson Alex starting when he was very little. She taught him well because he was soon able to beat her. She enjoyed travelling with family and friends. She and Nick took many cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. She especially enjoyed Hawaii, which she visited several times. Sitting on the lanai and looking out at the ocean, preferably with a cold mai tai, was one of her favorite activities. She and Nick were active member of La Mesa Presbyterian Church for many years and served a variety of roles helping the church. They made some great friends at church who often went camping together or played cards.

Nick Sr and Dorothy cared for grandchildren Alexander and Catherine when they were young and during summer school breaks, creating a very strong bond. Their house was like a second home and probably had more toys than their own home. Caring for the children was very comforting for her when her husband Nick passed away suddenly in 1997.

Though getting around was difficult in her later years, Dorothy always enjoyed family game night at her home playing tile rummy. She loved being visited by her relatives and friends and was always up on the latest news. She was known for speaking her mind letting you know what she thought.

Dorothy was the matriarch of our family and will be greatly missed.

Dorothy is survived by her son Nicholas “Nick” Jr, daughter-in-law Louise, grandchildren Alexander Nicoloff and Catherine (Omar) Tejera, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

There will be no services at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer, COVID restrictions permitting.