Dorothy Jean Lompa Arraiz
May 28, 1940 - March 18, 2023
On Saturday, March 18, 2023 Dorothy passed away peacefully in Carson City at the age of 82. Dorothy was born in Reno, Nevada to Simone and Eva Lompa on May 28, 1940. Her lifelong values of honesty, hard work, and kindness to all reflected her upbringing and her parents’ values.
Although Dorothy’s early life may have seemed austere to today’s teenagers, she and her brother and sister led a somewhat idyllic but purposeful life on the Lompa Ranch. There were chores to do, animals to tend, and few of the worries that bother teenagers today. Living just west of the prison she socialized with the warden’s family and soaked up the local history like a sponge. She had an amazing memory, and in later years she delighted in sharing her historical knowledge. Her wit and humor endeared her to all who knew her.
In 1958 Dorothy graduated from Carson High School and went on to study dental assisting in the Bay Area. After graduating, she returned to Carson City and worked as a dental assistant. After several years, she transitioned to working with clients at OARC, and later went to work at Western Nevada Community College. She was in her element as the co-coordinator of the Stewart branch of W.N.C and was responsible for keeping the Stewart campus running smoothly. She organized the office as well as the staff and made many lifelong friends. One of her favorites sayings was, “You’re going to do it my way and you’re going got do it right.” While working at W.N.C Dorothy mentored several young promising students and helped them to become hard – working citizens. She also volunteered faithfully at the Senior Center helping seniors organize and file their taxes. She was an astute businesswoman, owning and managing some rental properties. Her renters became her friends, and few were ever tempted to move. After retirement she enjoyed many hobbies: reading, cooking, gardening, and traveling with her family to visit relatives in Switzerland and Spain.
Dorothy married Juan Arraiz on May 16, 1964, and they had two sons, Mark and Dominic. Family times were special in Dorothy’s life. She enjoyed spending time with her grandsons and looked forward to visiting relatives in Sierra Valley. Her husband Juan, and son, Dominic predeceased Dorothy, and she is survived by her son Mark Arraiz, her two grandsons, Nicolas Arraiz and Steven Arraiz, her sister Martha (Tom) Keating, her brother Sam Lompa, aws well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held on Saturday, June 17 at 11:00 at Calvary Chapel, 1635 Clearview Drive, Carson City, NV. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Carson City Senior Center or charity of your choice.