Dorothy Marie Nelson

Dorothy Marie "Dottie" (Thomas) Cebula Nelson

A Life of Purpose and Leadership

PASADENA, CA/ SUFFIELD, CT/ PRESQUE ISLE, ME - Dorothy Marie "Dottie" (Thomas) Nelson passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, In Oceanside, California.  She was in the devoted care of her daughter, Sheryl, who provided her with comfort and love in her final days.

Born in Presque Isle, Maine, to Verla and Cecil Thomas, Dottie graduated from Suffield High School and married her first husband, Edward W. Cebula, Jr, in 1959.  Their life together was defined by a search for opportunity and a better life for their three children, a journey that took them through Virginia, the Midwest and eventually to Southern California.

Professional Excellence and Personal Joy

While raising her family, Dottie pursued her education with tenacity, culminating in dual Master's degrees in Gerontology and Social Work from the University of Southern California.  After graduating, she dedicated her career to the Pasadena community, first at Huntington Hospital's Senior Care Network and later as the Executive Director (CEO) for Villa Esperanza Services.  From 1996 through 2009, Dottie led Villa through a period of historic growth.  She was a respected mentor and a tireless advocate for those with developmental disabilities.

Amidst her profession success, Dottie found a new chapter of personal happiness when she married Byron Nelson in 1993.  Byron brought a wonderful sense of playfulness to her life, and together they shared a partnership filled with laughter and companionship until his passing.

Family and Legacy

Dottie's greatest pride remained her three children and the families they built.  She is survived by her son, Scott Thomas Cebula of Laguna Woods, CA; and her daughters Suzanne Marie Zimmerman of Sierra Madre, CA, and Sheryl Anne Morris of Oceanside, CA.

Her Memory will be cherished by her ten grandchildren: Ric, Zach, and Michael Zimmerman; Alex, Christopher, Melanie and Emily Cebula; and Shelby, Kaleigh and Ethan Morris; and her first great granddaughter, Emma Napoli.  She is also survived by her siblings, Richard Thomas and Sharon Reese.  Dottie was preceded by her parents, and her husband Byron Nelson, as well as her first husband Edward W. Cebula, Jr.

Services and Remembrances

A Celebration of Life is planned for June 27, 2026 in Pasadena.  For updates and RSVP information, please contact the family at relaxednow777@yahoo.com

In recognition of Dottie's life's work, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to Villa Esperanza Services in Pasadena, CA.