Dorothy Mae LaFave, age 77, of Peoria and Sun City West, AZ formerly of Gladstone died Thursday afternoon February 22, 2007 at the Del E. Webb Hospital in Sun City West.
Dorothy was born July 28, 1929 in Escanaba the daughter of George and Agnes (Chenier) King. She was raised in Escanaba and Flat Rock and was a 1947 graduate of the Escanaba High School. Dorothy married Patrick LaFave on February 7, 1948 at All Saints Church and they made their home in Gladstone where they raised their eight children. Dorothy was a member of All Saints Church and a well known caterer in the Delta County area. Some of you can probably remember her delicious meatballs, baked beans and turkey! She was
Anonymous
May each of you be comforted knowing your mom is now pain free and again with your dad. She was a wonderful lady and sure knew how to cook. She catered our wedding and countless others in the Gladstone area for years making everyone’s day so special. I know your memories will keep her close.
Mary Ann Sinclair Vito
Rochester Hills, MI
Dear Patser, MiMi, Vic, Lori, Barb, Tina, Michael and Theresa, and all of your families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I wish I could have been at the funeral services, but I was downstate from Wed. til Saturday night. I had to be at a conference for work. With the storm, it wasn’t possible to get back for Friday, as they closed the bridge. I just want you all to know that growing up next door to your family was awesome! Life was simple then and we really had some great times, hey? All the older girls were like my “big sisters”. It was so neat to see them “iron their hair” or curl their hair with orange juice cans! To hear them talk about “guys”, Patser was a quiet cool, and his friend Gary…well,…Dee and I had such a crush on him!
Vic’s Joe always played with us kids. He was so much fun. Your dad was really funny,and really laid back, and your mom was a lot of fun too…Your dad always called her “wife”….everyone had their chores to do, and your mom was always cooking something so gooooood. I loved the stairs that came down into the kitchen in that huge house. I remember sneaking cookies she made, and running back upstairs…(With the help of Barb and Tina of course). I have lots of great memories of your family, and your mom really was awesome! Her laugh and smile..:) Her strength to raise 8 children!…and cater…When I scared Michael with the Chinese man mask, and she came outside and she wasn’t smiling then. I remembered she yelled at me because she was worried about him….and his heart. As a kid, you don’t think sometimes, and, as a mom, and grandmother now, I sure can appreciate her concern at the time. She didn’t stay mad of course, but she just reminded me to be more careful….and I learned a big lesson from her that day. Your mom was a very good caretaker with her big family, and sure loved her kids…. She had a loving spirit. There was lots of laughing at your house….Everyone of you kids have such a great sense of humor. That’s one of the things I remember about your parents and all of you kids the most….and it was great! Thank you ~
Take care~ I miss you and love you guys~
Jessie (Roberts) Seronko and family
Gladstone, MI
We visited with Dorothy frequently when we visited our son, Steve, and daughter-in-law Theresa. We will miss seeing her. She was always so easy going and pleasant, it was an added bonus to have the pleasure of her company.
Gary and Norma Garavaglia
Surprise, AZ
Patser, Mimi, Vickie, Lori, Barb, Tina, Mike & Theresa, I am so sorry I let the snow storm get in my way of making it to the UP to say good bye to your mother. I am glad to have had her as my aunt, and she was one of my mom’s best friends & bingo buddies. I loved Auntie Dort’s baking; and still use some of her cookie recipes. She will be missed – who will remind me that I used to be “Baby Vicki”? Theresa, I trust you will take care of that! I pray she is now at rest with Uncle Pat, my dad and my mom.
Vicki LaFave-Maloney
Lake Geneva, WI
I am the son of Steve Kreutzberg and son-in-law of Theresa LeFave. April and I were a couple of the Arizonans lucky enough to meet and share many years with Dorothy later in her life. Dorothy was a positive person and anytime April and I would visit we looked forward to seeing her. Dorothy was a special person and she will be missed.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends.
Brad and April Kreutzberg
Tempe, AZ
Hi Laura and Emmanuel,
Our deepest sympathy about Dorothy for you both and all your family. Life remains a permanent struggle against circumstances. Now think of your future. If you need something we are near you.
Many kisses and Love,
Mummy and Daddy
Jean-France & Delphine Lupe
LaHonce, France
I did not know Dorothy but I worked with her daughter Tina. My deepest sympathy for your family. Love and God’s blessings.
Amy Constantino
Gladstone, MI
Dearest Theresa & Family,
I have never been able to think about your mom without smiling. The only thing that rivaled her laser fast wit was her amazing Christmas Goodies (actually, EVERYTHING your “Ma” cooked was wonderful!)
I was heartbroken to hear your sad news, and count myself so lucky for the opportunity to have known ‘Mrs. LaFave”. I never spent a moment around her that didn’t involve LOTS of laughter and am just grateful that she never actually had to break a pool cue on anyone’s head in my presence (although I never doubted for a minute that she’d do it, if pushed…)
Oh! I’ll miss her! Your mom was just a WONDERFUL woman!
My heart goes out to all of you. Here are prayers for comfort and peace at a time when there’s precious little of either.
Love,
Kimberly Stocker
Woodbridge, CA
Barb, Theresa, Lori, and the rest of the family,
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. I know she is at peace now. You will miss her and so will I when I’m at Mike and Barbs. My prayers are with your whole family to accept that she is finally happy and at rest. All my love, Beverly (Mike’s Mom).
Beverly Boor
Mesa, AZ
Barb and all her brothers and sisters, I am so sorry for your loss but I am so glad that your mom was finally starting to smile and laugh and show signs of her old self. It must of been such a blessing to have your back before she passed. Know that she will always be with you and I am sure you will see pieces of her in each others faces.
Love Debbie
Debra Nye
Phoenix, AZ
I never met Dorothy, but I know that she must have been one special lady with a sense of humor, and yet still down-to-earth, if a person can be known by the children she raised. I had the pleasure to work with Mimi Penley, and she stands testimony to a good upbringing. It must be very difficult for the family. Remember that you still carry her in your hearts and as you look in each other’s faces, may you see Dorothy’s love.
Kathryn Stafford
Ann Arbor, MI
Mimi
So sorry to hear about your mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I’m glad you got to spend time with her. Please extend our sympathy to your family.
Sincerley
Chris & Dave Nelson
Willis, MI
Mimi, Vicki and all……….we were so sorry to hear of your mom’s death. I have such fond memories of walking into your mom’s house and smelling that wonderful homemade bread. Please know that thoughts, prayers and love are with you all.
Donna and George Becker
Lake Placid, FL
Our hearts and prayers go out to each and all of you. Just a note to say we are thinking of you.Love you guys!
Robin & Joe Boudreau
Perkins, MI