Donnette Seim Nair

January  28th, 1926 December  20th, 2024
Paso Robles, CA
Donnette Seim Nair

I've had a wonderful life, and when it wasn't wonderful, it was interesting."

Obituary

Donnette Seim Nair, 98, of Paso Robles and Carpinteria CA, passed away on Dec. 20th, 2024.

Donnette Nair (Donnie) passed away surrounded by family in Paso Robles, California on December 20, 2024 after living a long and wonderful life. She was born on January 28, 1926 in Eagle Rock, CA, the youngest of 4 siblings, to her parents Ethel and Paul Seim. She joked that she was “98 and doing great”, and had planned to say “I’m 99 and doing fine”.

Donnie felt at home in a lovely room surrounded by her favorite belongings and a view of the garden at Annette’s Lodge Assisted Living. She moved to Paso Robles in 2019 to be near her daughters and truly appreciated all the caregivers, who met her every need .

Donnie will be remembered as a devoted wife of 60 years to Jack Nair, who passed in 2009 after a long illness of Alzheimer’s, as a loving mother and proud grandmother and an unforgettable friend to countless people. With her warmth and boundless energy, she had a gift for making friends wherever she went and was an avid volunteer in many organizations.

She started the Carpinteria Beautiful Home Tour with her good friend Libby Weinberg. She gathered friends and community members to produce the annual home tour for over 20 years raising funds for local charities. She wrote a delightful advice column in the Carpinteria Coastal View News called “Ask Donnie” and volunteered as a mentor with SCORE, helping people to start their own business. She loved living in Carpinteria and cherished her many friends there.

Donnie’s career as a trailblazing real estate agent began in Boulder, Colorado, where she made history as the first woman to join RE/MAX. Her determination and talent led her to become a top performer, earning awards for her record-breaking listings, sales and earnings. Later, she brought her expertise and charisma to Carpinteria, where she continued her success.

Donnie attended writing classes and finished her memoir, My Life, So Far So Good which included many stories and insights about her interesting life. She finished several chapters in another book, called “The Big Eraser” about the profound impact of Alzheimer’s. She organized the first Alzheimer’s Support Group in the area, which is still active.

Donnie loved to travel and filled many journals with her adventures and observations about the world. She was a life-long member of the Unitarian Church and had a passionate interest in politics.

Donnie is survived by her children, Valerie Galvez, Jaki (Mark) Kalionzes and Kathleen Wigle, all of Paso Robles, as well as nine grandchildren , seven great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Her passing leaves a huge emptiness in our lives, though we are inspired by the life she lived, her love of family, so many people she befriended, her successes and all the memories we hold dear.

A Celebration of Donnie’s Life will be held at the Weinberg Family Home, 5529 Calle Arena, Carpinteria on Feb 22, 2025 from 1-4 pm with time at 2:30 for shared memories from family and friends. A catered buffet lunch will be offered along with wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks. Donnie loved a party! 

Into the Milky Way

Donnie always said that she would be found in the Milky Way after leaving this earth. Observing the Milky Way reminds us of the vastness of the universe and humanity's small yet meaningful place in it. It represents the journey of the soul from the earthly realm to the eternal one. Like the stars in the Milky Way, may her light continue to shine, guiding and surrounding us from afar.

Photos


Memory wall

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January 19, 2025
Donnie was revered by all. She was a listing machine and all business @ ReMax and at the same time so very approachable & friendly….she will be missed…
Paul Roach
January 18, 2025
You are simply unforgettable. That smile and your genuine caring to everyone that crossed your path. A mentor to so many. You are one of a kind and will always be in my heart.
Donna Downs
January 18, 2025
I've so many memories of Donnie: all good, even the bawling-out she gave me that started out extraordinary friendship so many years ago.
Donnie was so much more than a dear friend. She was my mentor, counselor, political advisor, social secretary and a stand-in mom when my own mother died. Our discussions helped shape my thinking on so many important topics.
Donnie exuded wisdom and love combined with a wonderful sense of humor.
I'm so thankful to have had her as my friend.
Donna Jordan
December 28, 2024
Dear Valerie, Jacki, Kathleen, My Heartfelt Condolences to You on the passing of Donnie, your Mom. I have Fond Loving Memories of You All in your home, Carpinteria, as a young boy; I Thank You All for those memories.
With Love,
Paul Gordon
Paul Gordon
December 28, 2024
I met Donnie around 15 years or so ago at a neighbors BBQ. And after a wonderful evening of getting to know her, she proclaimed me as her new “best friend”. Pretty much every time I saw her or spent time with her after that, she would remind me of my new status. I am sure she told everyone something similar, but she always made me feel so special. She will be missed by many, especially this “best friend”. Kathleen (and sisters) I am so sorry for your loss.
Carrie Wanek
December 28, 2024
It was easy to see she loved well, and was well loved.
Dave Sullivan
December 27, 2024
Oh Valerie, Jacki, Kathleen and all of the family, I am so sad to hear of Donnie passing on to her next experience.
I know that she meant the world to all of you.
Jerolyn Selkirk

Service


A Celebration of Donnie’s Life will be held at the Weinberg Family Home, 5529 Calle Arena, Carpinteria, on Feb 22, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m., with a time at 2:30 for sharing memories from family and friends. A catered buffet lunch will be offered, along with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. Donnie loved a party! 
Location
Weinberg Family Home
 5529 Calle Arena, Carpinteria
Date/time
Feb 22, 2025 from 1-4pm
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