Dorothy Daley

It was clear to see through the way she lived her daily life that Dorothy Daley used her faith as the compass to direct her steps. She was genuine and gentle, kindhearted and sincere with the ability to love others deeply and without condition. Dorothy was never one to worry about the things of this world, rather, her focus was on serving those around her in ways both great and small. She treasured her roles as both a wife and mother, however, she just may have argued that nothing was better than spoiling the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she adored. Although life was not without times of trial for Dorothy, she faced what came her way with a quiet strength and a graceful courage that inspired those around her. She leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of her friends and loved ones.

With the end of WWI in 1918, the vibrant and prosperous decade of the Roaring Twenties followed. Innovation was taking us places we had never been with refrigerators and washing machines becoming part of our homes. Cars were more affordable thanks to the assembly line, and radios brought the world around us within our reach. Amidst this exciting time Harry and Myrtie Osborn were preparing for some excitement of their own as they were eagerly anticipating the birth of their baby as winter held the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, firmly in its grip in 1923. Their wait was over on February 3rd when the baby girl they named Dorothy Jean made her arrival. She was joined in her family by her sister, Ida, as well as some older step-siblings.

In many ways Dorothy was a young girl of her generation. Even as a girl she was a quiet and private person. Dorothy felt loved and cared for by her parents and were appreciative of the life they gave her. She was a student at local schools who went on to graduate from Creston High School.

As a young woman Dorothy spent some time working as a waitress, but she later found work as a bookkeeper, which ended up being her lifelong career. She spent many years working at an insurance agency before settling in at Villa Elizabeth. Dorothy enjoyed her work there including the gatherings and people.

While she was busy establishing her work, Dorothy met and later married a man named Warren Henry. Although their marriage didn’t last, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Sharon. Dorothy and Sharon were always close, and in many ways they had very similar personalities. She deeply loved her daughter, and she did her best to spoil her, too. Dorothy was a meticulous housekeeper who kept a clean and orderly home. As a classy lady who liked to keep up with the latest fashions, she and Sharon loved to shop. In fact, it was their Saturday tradition for years.

Dorothy found love again when she met Robert Daley through a mutual friend. They began dating, and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together they married in 1950 at St. Andrews Cathedral. Together they enjoyed their home on Lake Michigan for many years. Dorothy was an amazing hostess who enjoyed entertaining and getting together with family. She and Robert were also just as content to stay at home together, just the two of them. Often Dorothy could be found relaxing at home with a good novel. Sometimes they enjoyed just going out for ride together, too. Later in life Dorothy and her husband moved closer to Grand Rapids. As an animal lover, there were usually pets around to bring joy to her home.

Later in life Dorothy continued to embrace the days she was given. She was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandmother, and she cherished every minute she had to spend with her grandchildren. Dorothy was always willing to watch them or bring them places. Sometimes they came to stay overnight, which was such a special treat for her granddaughters since they got to dress up in Dorothy’s clothes and drink coffee together in the morning. When great-grandchildren arrived she couldn’t have been happier, and of course doting over them became a favorite activity as well. Although she was deeply saddened with Robert’s death in 2007, she continued on, gaining strength through her faith and the love of her family. Dorothy’s mind remained sharp, and she loved keeping busy with difficult crossword puzzles.

A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Dorothy Daley was a blessing to all who were within her reach. She treasured the faith that was engraved upon her heart, and her love for her family was never ending. Dorothy leaves behind a timeless legacy that will be carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

Mrs. Dorothy Daley, age 91 of Grand Rapids, passed away January 25, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in 2007; by sister, Ida Magoon, and by her brother, Rodney Colby. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Bernie) Fischer; grandchildren (and great grandchildren) Glenn and Kelly Fischer (Nicholas, Kendall, Carson), Lisa and Gary Boersma (Ashley, Joshua, Jordan, Hannah, Hayley, Téa, Braydyn), Amy and Todd Maggini (Chloe, Lia, Ellie and Lacie) and Robert Fischer; great great grandson, Emmett; and several nieces and nephews. A service to remember and celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan where friends may visit with her family from 10 AM until the service. Memorial contributions to either Spectrum Health Hospice or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are appreciated. To read more about her life, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com