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1939 - 2004
Age: 64
DORSTEWITZ, Helen Joyce
Crossville, TN Formerly of Kalamazoo
Helen Joyce (Areaux) Dorstewitz (64) died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Crossville, Tennessee on May 29, 2004. She was born in Almena, Michigan on June 30, 1939, the daughter of Max and Laura Areaux, who both preceded her in death. She grew up in Almena and attended Paw Paw High School, graduating in 1956. Helen married William Dorstewitz on November 28, 1958 in Paw Paw. They were blessed with three adopted children, plus a South African exchange student who also became part of the family. Through the years she worked as a beautician, telephone answering service secretary, and the secretary for a private elementary school. Her favorite job was raising her family and enjoying their growing up as well as the children’s many friends who frequented her home, many of whom have called her ‘Mom’ through the years. She happily followed her husband’s career to several different cities around the country, always looking forward to the adventure. They ended up in Kalamazoo, Michigan for the last twenty years of his career. After Bill’s retirement they moved to Crossville, Tennessee in October, 2001 where they lived in an RV Community which became their home base for many motorhome trips. Over the years she made many special friends. Her life was filled with opportunities to be a friend, mentor, teacher and listener to people of all ages. She eagerly responded to all of these opportunities, giving her all to each one. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, serving on various committees and teaching Sunday School at different times and places. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and was an avid sports fan. She is survived by her husband and three children, Todd (Alicia) Dorstewitz and their children Aric (7) and Keely (1 month), Troy (Gail) Dorstewitz and their children Adam (5) and Lily (2), and Tracy Dorstewitz and her son Teryn (11), all of the Kalamazoo area, as well as Enrico (Dana) Marinus and his children Liam (15) and Niall (9) of Cape Town, South Africa. At her request she was cremated. To celebrate her life, there will be a Memorial Service at the Adams Funeral Home in Paw Paw, Michigan at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 5, 2004, and also one in Crossville, Tennessee at the First United Methodist Church at 11:00 am on June 19, 2004. Because of her special love of animals she has requested that any memorials in her name be given to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue, or your local Humane Society; or to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
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There are currently 5 condolences.
Gloria Hall
x94hall7@hotmail.com
Friday June 11, 2004 at
11:14 PM
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Dear Todd and family, Walt, Toni, Ann, and I send our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family during your time of sorrow. Todd, though I only got to speak with your mother a couple of times while you were in my Sunday School class at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, your family has always remained in our fondest memories. May only your happiest times spent with your mother remain in your memory. With sympathy, Gloria Hall, Portage, Michigan.
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kim cosier
kcosier
Wednesday June 9, 2004 at
10:33 AM
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My thoughts are with you guys.
My mind keeps drifting back to years ago, when Helen made such a difference in my life. She "adopted" me when my own mother wrote me off. She was bossy and caring to me -just what I needed! : )
I will miss getting my email updates from "M2" (Mom 2)
and sending mine from "D2"
Bill, please drop me a line from time to time to keep me updated, will ya?
Take care,
love, Kim
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John Hrycko
HryckoJ@AOL.com
Monday June 7, 2004 at
9:34 AM
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I remember Helen as a very
classy individual. I had not seen
her since 1958, and know that her
radiant beauty has followed her.
My thoughts are with Bill and the
entire family. John Hrycko
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Ann and Terry Blakely
tlab@voyager.net
Monday June 7, 2004 at
9:15 AM
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Dear Bill: It was with great sadness with learned about Helen's passing. We both have fond memories of her and I remember many activities we shared in high school. Ann Blakely
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Frank&Adele Walters
emptynestboat@juno.com
Thursday June 3, 2004 at
7:20 PM
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A loving friend, an Almena swamp angel, we will miss her. Love Frank and Adele
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