Dorothy Pfauth

Dorothy Pfauth, 96, of St. Joseph, MI, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at her home. Dorothy was born on November 17, 1918 to Charles and Louise (Heyn) Gittersonke, above the mercantile store where her father was employed in downtown Bridgman, MI. She graduated from Bridgman High School. While Dorothy was in high school, she was featured in many operettas as she had a beautiful voice and a very outgoing personality. Dorothy was a member of the choir at Saint Joseph Catholic Church. Dorothy raised her six children while working at Williams Pharmacy and later at Manley Brothers Sand Co. as a lab technician. She had a desire for learning and was always studying something interesting, including classes in upholstery, oil painting, and calligraphy. Dorothy was a wonderful cook, always trying and sharing new recipes. While in her eighties she was affiliated with Birthright and Foster Grandparent organizations, even being named Grandmother of the Year in 1998. “MiMi” leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren, as well as many close friends. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Joyce Essig McCort of Bridgman, her children, Dawn (Todd) McFall of Bridgman, Dane (Lori) Essig of Parker, CO, Doug Essig of Bridgman, and Drew (Paula) Essig of Tigard, OR; son, Tim Pfauth of St. Joseph, his children, Jennifer (Mike) Schuhknecht of Buchanan, and Jason Mosher of Ft. Myers, FL; son, Steven Pfauth of St. Joseph; son, Tom (Nancy) Pfauth of Waterford, MI, his children, Joel (June) Pfauth of Bloomfield, MI, and Justin Pfauth of New York; and brother, Jack Gittersonke of Bonita Springs, FL. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Donna Mabry, who is survived by her son Keith (Bobbie) Mabry of Chesterton, IN, his children Mathew Mabry of New York, NY, Brian Mabry and Kristin Mabry, both of Chesterton IN; her daughter, Nancy (Sidney) Patterson, who is survived by her children Kelly (Chris) Stergiacis, Grant (Dawn) Patterson, Jason Patterson, Josh (Emily) Patterson, Stephany (Alex) Horvath, and Channel, all of the Detroit, MI, area; and sister, Bernice Kepp. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held from 2:00 p.m. until Dusk on July 4, 2015 at Lake Township Park in Bridgman, MI. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services in St. Joseph, MI. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Those wishing to share a memory of Dorothy online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.