They were divorced in 1945. Nixon was the founder and president of Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc., state commander of the California Cancer Society, and national vice-president of the AWVS during World War II. The AWVS was a key organization for coordinating volunteer activities in support of the war effort. She had founded the California chapter, and had served as its first president. She also served as a member of the World Affairs Council and numerous organizations devoted to peace. In June 1947 she and 119 other civic leaders signed a letter urging Congress to immediately adopt legislation providing for universal military training. Nixon died in her home in San Francisco on June 24, 1948, at age fifty-four. She left an estate valued at approximately $750,000, which included a half interest in a ranch on Ryer Island. Her son, Lewis Nixon III, served as an officer in the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of it with E Company. His association with E Company would bring him fame after his 1995 death, when the company became the subject of the 2001 television mini-series "Band of Brothers" based on the Stephen Ambrose book.