Dorothy Jean Chichester, 89, of Traverse City passed away Thursday, April 10, 2014 at Bortz Health Care of Traverse City. Dorothy was born November 12, 1924 on her parent's farm in Mesick, Michigan to the late Clarence C. and Alta A. (Taylor) Clark.

Dorothy was an only child and enjoyed helping her dad outside on the farm with the chores. She particularly liked feeding the animals which included cows, horses, pigs and chickens.

As a young child Dorothy attended a one room school house a short distance from her family's farm. As a teenager she attended Mesick public schools. After graduation she received a two year degree in business. During her career Dorothy worked at Munson Medical Center in Medical Records and for Dr. Pike an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist in Traverse City.

On February 1, 1947 Dorothy married Clarence L. "Bud" Chichester Jr. in Traverse City. Together they raised four beautiful children.

Upon their retirement Bud and Dorothy enjoyed traveling, bowling, gardening, mushroom hunting, bird watching and spending time at their home on Beaver Island. They belonged to the Audubon Society and would often go on bird watching excursions to the islands of the Beaver Island Archipelago.

Dorothy is survived by her children Paul (Sue) Chichester of Traverse City, Keith Chichester of Mesick, Marlene (Randy) Learmonth of Traverse City and Elaine (Gerald) DuRocher of Empire. Dorothy also leaves behind sixteen grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

The family of Dorothy would like to extend a heart felt thank you to Bortz Health Care of Traverse City and Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home for the excellent care they gave to their mom and grandma.

Per Dorothy's wishes cremation has taken place. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.