Dorothy Esther Germaine

On Sunday, March 23

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, 2014, the brightness of this world was dimmed.  Dorothy Esther Germaine, age 95, moved on to her abode in heaven as she joined her husband Raymond Sr. and her firstborn daughter Mary who passed shortly after childbirth. Dorothy passed away at Serenity Hospice in Phoenix, Arizona, with her family by her side.

Dorothy was born January 23

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, 1919, in Milford, Connecticut, to Robert and Catherine Hay.  She married Raymond Edward Germaine on November 1

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, 1938.  In 1959, Dorothy and Raymond relocated to Arizona with their two children, Geri and Raymond Jr.  Their move to Arizona was prompted by the health challenges of their daughter Geri. The doctor suggested the move as an option to help keep their daughter out of the hospital.  The sacrifice of leaving employment, family, and friends for their child’s health was emblematic of their unwavering devotion to family.

Dorothy’s mother required her to forgo college to directly enter the workplace after graduating high school in order to contribute to the family income.  Her career path later in life led to her serving as a successful business woman for many years. She first aided her husband Raymond in running Wagon Wheel Appliances, and then later created and grew Time Service Inc. to be the largest appliance service company in Phoenix, but her business endeavors never trumped the importance she placed on her role as a wife and mother.  Her ability to successfully balance all of these endeavors clearly demonstrated her strong work ethic, her ability to overcome difficult challenges, and her devotion to family.

Dorothy is survived by three of her children, Geraldine (Geri), Raymond Jr., and Robert (Bob).  She is also survived by 8 Grandchildren (Kevin, Karrie, Traci, Nicole, Trent, Robert, Raychel, and Daniel), 8 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Visitation will take place at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018 on Wednesday April 2

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10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.  A Graveside Service will immediately follow the Visitation at 12:30 PM at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 North 48

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Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008 (Cross roads 48

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Street and Oak).  Relatives and friends are welcome at both the visitation and the graveside service.

Keeping with Dorothy’s heart for helping those in need, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Camelback Bible Church Benevolence Fund, 3900 E. Stanford Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253.