A Tribute to my Mother: Dorothy Marshall 1922-2007

“Strength and dignity are her clothing; She looks well to the ways of her household”

Proverbs 31:25a, 27a

My Mother, Dorothy (Weinert) Marshall went to be with the Lord on September 21, 2007. She had battled Alzheimer's for nearly 12 years. She departed peacefully in her sleep on the morning of the 21st.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was born and raised in Detroit, MI. Her parents, Martin and Elizabeth Weinert, immigrated to the U.S. from Austro-Hungaria (now Serbia). She had 3 brothers and one sister all of whom have preceded her in death.

She attended Northwestern High School in Detroit. She met my Dad, Gordon Marshall through some mutual friends. Many of their High School friends have remained friends for over 60 years. Those who still live in the area still stay in contact with each other.

My Dad left for World War II in 1944. He decided he did not want my Mom to get away while he was gone. He proposed to her through the mail. She accepted, but there was one hitch. She would have to select the engagement ring herself (and also set up a payment plan). Dad said he would manage the payments. He was stationed as a pilot in the pacific. Mail did not travel so well during the war. In one of her letters to my Dad, she stated that she had made the payment on the ring for him, but he had better not miss another one!

That incident did not deter their wedding plans, though. They were married in December, 1945. Once Dad returned from the war, they
settled in Detroit. Soon they were able to rent a house in Grosse Ile.
Son, Randy arrived in 1949. Within a few years, they were able to build their first house in Birmingham. Todd arrived in 1954, the year they moved in. We grew up in this house in a one road subdivision that remains unpaved to this day. The one acre lots were ideal for boys needing outside space for all sorts of activities. Our yard seemed well laid out for football and and baseball. It became the hub of sporting activity and a gathering place for 4th of July celebrations with the neighbors. Mom enjoyed her role as homemaker and often entertained friends and family.

We attended the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Birmingham. We made many friends there. Dad recently returned to worship there.

In 1971, we had a second new home built in West Bloomfield. We did not live there very long as Dad was transferred to Brussels, Belgium with Ford Tractor. We lived the next 6 years in Belgium. Randy had already started University and I was in my senior year of High School. Mom enjoyed their stay in Europe. They made many new friends from the ex-patriots working at Ford Tractor and the International Protestant Church we attended. We became friends with other Americans, Brits, Australians, French, Belgian and Scandinavians. Mom took a Cordon Bleu cooking class and added to her repetoire of recipes. They enjoyed entertaining new friends and traveling in Europe. We have many fond memories of ski trips to Switzerland and Austria around Christmas. Mom and Dad even had a chance to visit Israel. Not all their trips were uneventful though. It seems their were some transportation challenges during a trip to Morocco:

"Were going to Marrakesh..."

One of their favorite gatherings was a costume party. Mom and Dad took the prize for best costume. They had everyone stumped as to their identity.

"Take me to your Leader"

Upon returning from Belgium in 1977, Mom and Dad settled in their West Bloomfield home. Randy was working at Ford as an hourly employee. I returned from Belgium in 1978 after working a few months as an intern at Ford Tractor in Brussels. In the spring, I was able to get a job at the Ford Tractor parts depot. Later in the year, Dad arranged an interview for me as a salaried employee. Thus began a 30 year career at Ford for me as well. Mom and Dad reconnected with the Ford employees they met in Belgium who had returned to the States and continued to have gatherings here in Michigan.

Randy married our cousin Tanis Weinert. I became reacquainted with a friend from Albion College, Pam Steere. We were married in 1983.

Mom and Dad celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 1985. Randy, Tanis, Pam and I were able to have a surprise party for them. Somehow we managed to squeeze over 50 relatives and friends into our living and dining room.

Cutting the anniversary Cake

Mom with Randy

Congratulations on 40 years together!

Soon the grand children began to arrive. Allison in 1984, Annick 1987, Evvie in 1990 and Catrina in 1993. Grandma enjoyed the new arrivals. We appreciated some time alone and the girls liked the special attention given them by grandma and grandpa.

Christmas eve gatherings were a tradition in the Weinert family. Mom hosted many gatherings at our homes over the years.

Mom, sister Martha, niece Cheryl, sister-in-law Mary, Pam, grand niece Lisa, grand niece Christa, granddaugthers Allison, Annick, grand niece Alexandra

During the mid 1990’s, we began to observe notable gaps in mom’s memory. In 1996, an incident occurred that caused us great concern. Mom and Dad were driving separately at Todd and Pam’s for Annick's birthday party. Mom was supposed to pickup some items for the party. Everyone had arrived except her. We waited awhile, then decided to go looking for her. She arrived sometime later. We realized that she had become disoriented and had lost her way from the store.

She was evaluated by her doctor. The doctor determined that she was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Dementia. Shortly thereafter, she went to live an assisted living facility.

Mom and Dad grew older together, but their love for each other and their family never grew old. Up to the end, she always had a smile when he and other family members visited. She was a kind, selfless, thoughtful person, loved by all who knew her. She devoted her life to her family’s care and well-being.

Friday, October 5, would be my Mom's 85th birthday. I not sure if birthday's are observed in heaven, but I would like to think a celebration is on hand for her homecoming. We will be gathering on Friday, 10/5 for a memorial service in honor of my Mom.

We thank the Lord for the example of strength, dignity and care Mom showed during her lifetime. I believe her faith in Christ gave her strength throughout her lifetime--especially as she entered her final days here. We look forward to the day we will be re-united in heaven around God's throne.