Dorothy Mae (Phillips) McLaren, age 86 of Gladwin, Michigan, formerly of Bay City, and Flint, died on April 15, 2018.
Dorothy is our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her main focus throughout her adult life was her family. When she was younger, she worked to support her children; when she was older she took care of their kids. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—especially if they would rub her feet.
Dorothy was born May 1, 1931 in Ithaca, MI, to Fredrick and Anna (Kamarkee) Michael. She married Fred McLaren in 1972 in Bay City, MI.
Dorothy worked at Bill's Cafe in Bay City as a waitress for over 20 years, and later as a jewelry manager in Zody's and Yankee Stores in Flint. She was very active in the Awana program at West Side Baptist Church in Flint.
Dorothy leaves behind daughters Judy (Don) Masselli of Gladwin, Linda Phillips of Bay City, Cheryl (Mike) Neering of Swartz Creek, Kaleen (Bobby) Hales of Atlanta, and Marlo (Jake) Petty of Midland; son Michael (Partner Julie) McLaren of Bay City; brothers Fredrick Michael of Flint and Harold Michael of Alaska; 28 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and one nephew.
She will also be missed by many CNAs and nurses at Gladwin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who loved her back-and-forth exchanges and her uncommon sense of humor.
Loved ones who died before Dorothy are her parents Fredrick and Anna, her sons David (Terri) Phillips of Marlette and Robert (Patricia) Phillips of Swartz Creek, her husband Fred, and her brother Charles Michael of Colorado Springs.
Dorothy so loved her closest companions, her dogs Dreyfus and Charlie that she requested they be buried with her. The ashes of Dreyfus will be placed in her coffin, but Charlie would not stand still long enough for us to grant that wish.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 20, 2018, 1:00 P.M. at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home in Gladwin, with Reverend Carl Petty officiating. Friends may meet the family before the service from 10:30 A.M. until the time of service. Dorothy will be buried at Flint Memorial Park in Mount Morris. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels program at Gladwin County Council on Aging or to Hartland Hospice. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com
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