Doris Ann DeLong

Doris Ann (Moore) DeLong of Traverse City, MI passed away on September 11, 2023 at the age of 96. She was born in Detroit, MI to William E. Moore and Pearl M. (Adair) Moore on July 31, 1927. At age 11, she moved to her beloved childhood home: Coldbrook Farm on Lake Leelanau. She was a proud 1945 graduate from Traverse City High School. After high school, Doris worked at Traverse City State Bank. Doris met her husband, Billie “Dean” DeLong, on the shore of Lake Leelanau at Perrin’s Landing where his family spent time in the summers. In 1949, they were married at The First Congregational Church in Traverse City. In their younger years, they were impressive water skiers and dancers who shined on the dance floor doing the jitterbug. They moved to Toledo, OH in 1949. There they acquired an extensive friend base and had three daughters. Doris was an active member at Trilby United Methodist Church where she was treasurer and oversaw the Methodist Youth Fellowship. Throughout their marriage, Doris was selfless and cared deeply for her family. Following Dean’s retirement in 1981, they fulfilled their lifelong dream of moving to their summer home on Lake Leelanau. Doris called it, “God’s Country”. Originally established by her parents, Doris and Dean took over operations of the Coldbrook Beach Campground with her brother, Bill and sister-in-law, Ella. The campground continues to be owned and operated by the DeLong and Moore families. They enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing with family and friends. In 1989 they started wintering in Hernando, FL with a tight-knit group of friends. Doris was known for being a wonderful host and cook to all she welcomed. She regularly hosted happy hours and holiday celebrations— taking advantage of any opportunity to gather with family and friends. She fed the masses! She was also a skilled seamstress, loved to knit and cross stitch, took pride in her flower gardens, and was an avid antique collector who loved to refinish old pieces. Frequent words of advice to her children and grandchildren included, “Don’t wish your life away, kid” and “Don’t take any wooden nickels.” Doris is survived by her husband of seventy-four years, Billie “Dean” DeLong; children Dawn (Tom) Pinkelman, Diane (John) Kuhlman; grandchildren Chad (Laura Amy) Pinkelman, Jennifer McNutt, Sarah Pinkelman (Brian Reynard), Ashley Pinkelman, Matthew (Chelsea) Pinkelman; and great-grandchildren Connor Pinkelman, Paige, Chase, and Deana McNutt, and Tori Pinkelman-Reynard. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother William H. (Ella) Moore, sister Rita (James) Milliron, niece Judith Milliron, and daughter Deana Ann DeLong. There will be graveside service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Solon Township Cemetery, Cedar, MI. Doris loved and was incredibly proud of “Her Lake Leelanau.” She cared deeply for the sustainability of and memories made on the lake. According to her, “There was no better spot in the world than sitting on the shore of Lake Leelanau.” Therefore, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a donation to the Lake Leelanau Lake Association, P.O. Box 123, Leland, MI 49654; or online at: https://bit.ly/DorisMooreDeLong

Doris Ann DeLong

July 31, 1927 - September 11, 2023