Dorothy A. Smith, age 85, of 8 Park Avenue; Gladstone, died Thursday afternoon, September 14th, 2006, at St. St. Francis Hospital where she was a patient for the previous 2 weeks.
Dorothy was born February 28th, 1921 in Jamaica, New York, the daughter of Joseph and Dora (Schweithelm) Dallara and was raised there. On December 11th, 1945, she married Olen L. Smith and they relocated to Muskegon, Michigan in 1945 where they raised their family. After her children were raised, Dorothy began her college education with Western Michigan University and obtained a teaching degree. She mainly taught 5th grade classes for the Duck Creek School System for approximately 10 years until retiring in 1978. She and her husband, Olen, settled in the Gladstone area in 1986.
Dorothy had a variety of interests and hobbies, with decoupage as one of her primary interests. In addition, she enjoyed photography, flower gardening, dancing, playing cards, and traveling.
Her family was so proud of her determination in life. Not only with continuing her education later in life after her family was raised, but most importantly, with the fortitude, courage, and the uncomplaining attitude she had displayed with the Parkinson
Anonymous
I am so sorry for your loss. May “the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) comfort and soothe your heart. His promises, found in the Holy Scriptures, can offer much hope. It assures us at John 5:28,29 that our loved ones will be remembered and brought back to life in the resurrection. Please allow God’s Word to strengthen you and help you to endure this most difficult time.
Shelley
Glen Burnie, MD
To all members of the family of Dorothy Smith: We just read in the Muskegon Chronicle about the death of Dorothy and we want to extend our deepest sympathy. We often wandered what happened to the family after moving away from the West Street address. Now we know that she was a very determined person and went after her dreams in her later years. My sister Carole VanderMeulen, who is also now deceased, and I played volleyball at the Orchard View Schools with her. She loved sports. She was a good friend and neighbor to Joyce and Elwood Tyler, who I know will be saddened over her death. May God Bless all of her family in this time of need.
Lee and Elaine Tyler
Muskegon, MI
It has been a pleasure to have known Dorothy (and Olen) these past 20 years, both as neighbors and as friends. God Bless.
Randy and Becky Walter
Gladstone, MI