Dorothy Gauthier

TRAVERSE CITY — Dorothy R. Gauthier, 75, of Traverse City died Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, surrounded by her loving family.Dorothy was born Thursday, March 14, 1935, to the late Vincent and Rosabell (Lamie) Witkowski in Isadore and was a lifelong resident of Leelanau County. She was educated and graduated from Holy Rosary Catholic School. On June 25, 1955, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, she married Dean Gauthier. They had been married for 51 years when Dean passed away Feb. 7, 2007.For 33 years, she was employed for Michigan Bell Telephone, starting out as an operator and later working for the engineering department. Dorothy enjoyed traveling and camping across the country with her husband Dean and their family. They all shared many wonderful memories of their camping days and those trips. When Dorothy and Dean retired, they purchased a home in Dade City, Fla., where they enjoyed spending many winters. She also enjoyed sewing, making clothing for her children as well as enjoying crocheting. But most of all, she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren.Dorothy is survived by her son, David D. and JoAnn Gauthier and their children, Amanda, Gina and Dustin, of Cedar; her daughters, Suzanne and Josef Blodgett and their daughter, Sarah, of Traverse City, and Janice Gauthier and her sons, Eric and Brian Jackowski, of Traverse City. Also surviving Dorothy are her brothers, Edward (Leona) Witkowski, of Cedar, Donald (Patricia) Witkowski, of Traverse City; sisters, Helen Flees, of California, Elizabeth (Edward) Drzewiecki, of Cedar, and Agnes Finch, of Traverse City; and many nieces and nephews.Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dean; and her sister, Irene Pleva.Visitation for friends and family will be held Wednesday, Oct. 6, from 2 until 4 p.m. and from 6 until 8 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. with Deacon Rene Hoenscheid officiating.The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Fr. James Hayden presiding. Graveside committal services will be held in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.Memorial contributions may be directed to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Food Pantry or to mass intentions.Please share your memories of Dorothy with her family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Dorothy Gauthier

October 2, 2010