Our beloved mother, Dorothy Marie Bridges Nicodemus Mason, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at Parkwood Meadows Assisted Living in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Her two daughters were holding her hands as she left this earthly world to start her eternal life.

Dorothy was born on October 30, 1929, in Orlando, to Lester L. Bridges and Leila P. Harris Bridges. She was the second of three children. Her father owned Bridges Grocery on Church Street in downtown Orlando. This provided Dorothy and her brothers with a strong work ethic.

As a young girl, Dorothy loved fashion and design. At age 10 she was winning first place for her Halloween costumes, and by age 14 she was designing and sewing her own costumes and gowns, winning first place at the county fair.

She attended Orlando High School and Stetson University. It was at Orlando High School that she met her future husband, Alfred H. Nicodemus Jr. She played clarinet in the band, and her high-stepping baton twirling gained her the role of head majorette. Dorothy loved modeling, and even found her way into being a Ford commercial, and also achieving runner-up in the Miss Orlando Pageant. She was a beautiful person both inside and out.

Dorothy worked in the banking industry for most of her life, and enjoyed working part-time at the Old Sautee Store in Sautee Nacoochee after her retirement. She enjoyed traveling to many countries, painting, and taking classes at the local college. She was truly a life-long learner. She especially enjoyed gardening and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Dorothy left this world to rejoin those who have been awaiting her arrival. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband; her second husband, Kenneth Mason; her son, David A. Nicodemus; her brother, Charles Bridges.

She is survived by her daughters, Cynthis Marie (Ray) Hickey of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Melissa Marie (Michael) Newton of Sautee Nacoochee; her brother, Donald Bridges of Jamestown, California; as well as eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She was under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice.

Her life will be honored at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2017, at A Community Funeral Home in Orlando, Florida. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com .