Dorothy Marie Vander Eyk

Dorothy Marie Vander Eyk, age 97, passed away August 28, 2016. Dorothy was an only child and had a somewhat sad start to life when her mother passed away at seven years old. Her father was busy working at the Ford factory in Detroit, so she was raised and cared for by several aunts. She spent her early years in Gagetown, MI and later attended boarding school with the Dominican Sisters in Adrian, MI. Dorothy worked in retail sales for a few years prior to her marriage to Marius Vander Eyk in 1941. Our family is very grateful for the great homemaker and loving mother that she was. She loved being a hostess and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Dorothy always liked to look nice, complete with necklace, earrings, and lipstick. She enjoyed crafts such as ceramics and a little sewing. Dorothy volunteered her time to Girl Scouts and the Shrine of the Little Flower Woman's Guild. She has been a member at the Shrine of the Little Flower parish for almost 70 years. It was important to Dorothy to attend church with her family and she insured all her children received their sacraments. One of the highlights of her life was a trip to the Netherlands with her husband, Mark, to visit relatives and a Daily Tribune sponsored trip to Hawaii. Dorothy and Mark also enjoyed visiting Siesta Key, Florida in the winter for several years. There, they enjoyed walking the beach and looking for shells. Mark and Dorothy bought a cottage in Caseville, MI in 1974 and owned it for over 40 years, enjoying time there with family. Dorothy led a simple yet fulfilling life and touched many people’s lives. She was the beloved wife of the late Marius C. Vander Eyk, who passed in 1996. Loving Mother of Mark (Rene) Vander Eyk, Walter (Karen) Vander Eyk, Nora (Randy) McDonald and Jan (Jim) Fifarek. Proud grandmother of Becky (Dr. Jeffrey) Chandler, Evan (Brandi) Vander Eyk, Adrienne (Dominic) Mirabella, Megan (Matthew) Eash, Kelly McDonald, Kara Vander Eyk, Sara (Justin) DeJong-Fifarek and Kalli Fifarek. Special great grandmother (GG) of London and Morgan Vander Eyk, Holland and MacArthur Mirabella, and Owen and Margot Chandler. Visitation Tuesday 5-8 pm and Wednesday 2-8 pm, with a 7 pm. scripture service at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W 11 Mile Rd. (4 blks. E of Woodward), Royal Oak. In state Thursday 9:30 am until time of Mass 10:00 am at National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica. Memorials to the donor’s choice are appreciated. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com. The family of Dorothy Vander Eyk cordially invites you to attend a luncheon at the River Crest banquet facility, 900 W. Avon Road, Rochester, MI 48307 immediately following services at White Chapel Memorial Cemetery.

Dorothy Marie Vander Eyk

September 1, 1918 - August 28, 2016