Dorathy Neary

Dorathy Neary

July 17, 1925-February 17, 2024

Longtime Dillon resident, Dorathy Neary, 98, passed away peacefully at home with family on February 17, 2024. Dorathy was born July 17, 1925 in Madison, WI, youngest child to Fred and Helen (Bachmayer) Thurber. She joined the Nurse Cadet Corps, graduating training at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison in 1947. She worked in Jackson, WY and at Denver Presbyterian Hospital where she met James Neary, an FAA aviation radar technician and were married September 1, 1953. They raised five children primarily in Aurora, CO and moved to Dillon in 1982. Dorathy was a nurse with the Summit Ambulance Service, Bristlecone Hospice, Kremmling Hospital, and at the former medical clinic in Frisco. She also opened the Recovery Room Upholstery business in Dillon Valley.

Bicycling brought her lifelong joy.  From a 1948 bicycle adventure from Denver to Banff Canada with best friend Hermina, to numerous Ride the Rockies bicycle tours, the last in 2009 at age 82. In 1997, just shy of 72, she completed the 3,100 mile Southern Tier bicycle tour, pulling her own gear. At age 73, it was 1500 miles cycling unsupported across Western Canada to West Yellowstone. In between were many shorter tours. Her recumbent tricycle allowed her last ride to be just six months ago at age 98.

She is preceded in death by husband James Neary (86) in 2010; sister Geraldine Pelanek (97); brother Robert "Bob" Thurber (93) and her parents. She is survived by five children Jim (Janie) Neary, Susan (Mark) Ketchum, Jerry Neary, Patty (Andy) Jost, Barb Neary (Dan Fillipi); eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. The family expresses thanks to Our Lady of Peace Catholic Community, Dr. Charles Lacky, Dr. Jennifer Camello, the Summit Community Care Clinic, and Bristlecone Home Health for their support. She was a fixture in the community and will be greatly missed.

Catholic Rosary and Funeral Mass to be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Silverthorne, Thursday, February 29, 10:00 am, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers please donate to Staying in Summit, or the Summit Community Care Clinic.