Dorothy E. Kelly

Port Sanilac - Dorothy Elizabeth Kelly, 91, of Port Sanilac and Marquette, Michigan, made her peaceful journey to heaven on June 28, 2015 to be reunited with the love of her life, Samuel Paul Kelly. Dorothy passed away at her home in Marquette with her daughter and son-in-law by her side following a brief illness. Dorothy was a force of nature so it is fitting her story begins during a blizzard on February 22, 1924 in Oshweken, Ontario on the Grand River Six Nations Reserve at her parents' home. Dorothy's father, Arnold Cornelius Moses, traveled by horse and buggy to bring the doctor from town to the house when her mom went into labor. Dorothy's mother, Frederica Isabel (Sero) Moses, stayed home and was assisted by her sister, Mary Margaret (Dorothy's aunt), for the blessed arrival. Both dad and doctor unfortunately missed the entire event due to inclement weather conditions. Dorothy was the first of three daughters with sisters, Isabel and Joyce arriving not long thereafter. Dorothy did not allow challenges with hearing loss to get in the way of her education. Dorothy graduated from Hagersville High School and attended a Normal School to become a teacher. She went on to teach at the No. 8 School on the Six Nations Reserve for a short time. Dorothy's sister, Joyce, recalled that Dorothy had aspirations of becoming a dietician. However, due to the outbreak of WWII, colleges were closed. Dorothy later moved to Detroit and worked as a ticket taker, accountant and a seamstress. She made many of her own clothes including fancy dresses that she wore to local dances. Dorothy was courted by Sam, an electrician also living in Detroit. On their first date Sam brought Dorothy a box of chocolates and leather gloves. The two attended a movie and Dorothy, tired from working that day, fell asleep. Sam was politely persistent and continued to ask her out. Good thing! Dorothy married him in July of 1960. The couple were known for their love not only of each other, but also for their love of traveling and collecting antiques. They founded and owned Memphis House Antiques and could often be spotted at auctions and estate sales around Michigan. The two also became members of the LDS Church. Even though Dorothy didn't remain a teacher in the classroom, she was (along with Sam) an advocate of education and history. She spent hours doing genealogical research as she was extremely proud of her heritage. Dorothy also enjoyed playing piano and gardening. She loved colorful flowers, particularly gladiolas and rhododendrons. She was also an avid quilter and cross-stitcher. Dorothy was an amazing baker and cook. She made family meals, often from scratch during the rough years. She enjoyed cooking and eating all types of foods, including elaborate Arab dishes (that honored Sam's ancestry), the thickest of vegetable soups, and the richest of desserts. Dorothy had quite a sweet tooth! She enjoyed dark chocolate candy bars and vanilla ice cream with toffee. In their later years together, Sam would often bring his sweetheart hot chocolate and a donut as a way to start the day. Over the years Dorothy was an animal lover and doting furbaby mom to countless pets including Thumper the rabbit, two toy poodles named Coco and Toby, a Newfoundland named Boo Boo and Q-Tip an Australian Shepard. Dorothy will be deeply missed by Merlin her grandkitten. In honor of Dorothy's love for animals, the family asks that friends consider a contribution to a local animal shelter in lieu of flowers. Since Sams passing in 2012, Dorothy became a snowbird of a different sort relocating to Marquette to live with her daughter, April and son-in-law, Walt Lindala, during the fall and winter months. Dorothy boasted to her local postmaster, who else my age goes north for the winter? Even in the final few winters of her life, Dorothy spent time cross-stitching, quilting and sewing. She read voraciously (mystery thrillers were her favorite). She also enjoyed watching television crime dramas and horse racing. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Isabel Shara (Tom, deceased). Dorothy is survived by her daughter, April (Walt) Lindala of Marquette, Michigan, and her sister, Joyce Craig (Howard, deceased) who resides in Ohio and her niece, Frederica who resides in Florida. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Pomeroy Funeral Home in Lexington, Michigan on Thursday, July 9 beginning at 11:00 A.M. until the time of the memorial service at 12:00 Noon.

Dorothy E. Kelly

February 22, 1924 - June 28, 2015