Nancy Helen Amerine was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. While working at an insurance company in Detroit, she met and quickly fell in love with her husband, Mervin Amerine, in 1946. As fate would have it, 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 and celebrated 62 years before Mervin passed away in 2008. While Mervin was away serving his country during the Korean War; Nancy 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.

Nancy 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. Mervin and Nancy loved to travel to spectacular locations around the world. Her fondest memories came from their trips to Hawaii and the South Pacific. Nancy was also known for her fabulous cooking; a passion that she lovingly shared with her children and grandchildren.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Barbara and her husband Joseph Kollmeyer of Waterford, CA; her son Cavan Wells Amerine and wife Kathryn Duclo-Amerine of Manteca, CA; granddaughter Alisa and her husband Donovan Finch of Reno, NV; granddaughter Stephanie and her husband Bruno Cerri of French Camp, CA; grandson Richard Freitas of San Diego, CA; granddaughter Lori and her husband Dr. Steven Chang of Lafayette, CA; granddaughter Tanya and her husband Justin White of Denair, CA; and great grandchildren Brady Finch of Reno, NV, Payton Palacio of Lafayette, CA, Andrew "Drew" White and Victoria "Tori" White of Denair, CA. She is preceded in death by her husband Mervin; parents and sibling.

Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Alzheimer's Aid Society 700 McHenry Ave., Ste B Modesto, CA 95350. Memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Friday, October 7, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Sunday, September 25, 2011