"Gummersons were the most gracious family while they were in Newberry. They welcomed anyone and everyone at their ?farm?. They were a host family for a patient from the Newberry State Hospital providing a loving home atmosphere to Werner for years. They allowed him his personal freedom while allowing him to be a member of their family. Big Bay wad fortunate to be their retirement community for decades. Rest in Peace Ray and Dottie!!! "
In loving memory of
DOROTHY M. GUMMERSON
August 6, 1929 - May 7, 2020
Dorothy M. Gummerson, 91, of Big Bay, passed away on Thursday morning, May 7, 2020 under the care of Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living.
Dorothy was born on August 6, 1929 in Escanaba, a daughter of the late Raymond and Eva (Roberts) DeShambo. She was a 1947 graduate of Bishop Baraga High School and on June 21, 1948 she married Ray Gummerson at First Presbyterian Church in Marquette.
Over the years, Dorothy previously resided in various locations in the Lower Peninsula and also in Newberry. She returned to Marquette in 1965 and ultimately moved to Big Bay in 1974. She had been a resident of Brookridge Heights Assisted Living since 2009.
Dorothy was a longtime member of Community Presbyterian Church of Big Bay where she held several positions throughout the years. She was very devoted to her church and community. At one point she was also very active in Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
Dorothy was an excellent seamstress often sewing hers and her family's clothing. She previously taught sewing classes at the former Wolfe's Sewing Center in Marquette. In her free time she enjoyed cooking, gardening and cross country skiing. Dorothy was an avid Green Bay Packer and Michigan State University Spartans fan.
While at Brookridge Heights, Dorothy made hundreds of homemade greeting cards which she shared with friends and neighbors.
Survivors include three children, Gail Ann Fehr of Atlanta, MI, Sharon Rae (Ward) Young of Marquette and Peter Ray Gummerson of Big Bay; seven grandchildren, Kandi Manke, Debbie Sebastian, Chad Kolehmeinen, Deyna Shorts, Libby Nelson, and Peter Joel Gummerson; several great grandchildren; one brother, Ray (Pat) DeShambo of San Antonio, TX; also several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death besides her parents was her husband, Ray Gummerson on December 7, 1999; a daughter, Sue Ellen Saari; a granddaughter, Brenda Clemens; two brothers, Donald and Robert DeShambo; also a sister, Elaine DeShambo.
A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 1 p.m. in the Ishpeming Cemetery. Dorothy's service will be live streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/dorothy-gummerson
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the Community Presbyterian Church of Big Bay, PO Box 157, Big Bay, MI 49808 or Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 in Dorothy's memory.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Gummerson Family where memories of Dorothy may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
"To Dorothy\'s family, please accept my deepest condolences! Dorothy was a real treasure and a dear friend. We had many laughs and many serious conversations during her time at Brookridge. On of the hardest part of leaving Brookridge was leaving behind special friends like her!"
"Dorothy was a faithful member of the Ladies Bible Study at Brookridge. She always had an illustration to make a point and was so sharp and insightful. She was a vital part of the group and was always an encouragement to all of us. She had a positive attitude and a delightful sense of humor. She brightened our group in so many ways but especially by her seasonal outfits. There was never a doubt when it was \"Packer\" season! At the heart of every remembrance was her love for her family. Our prayers are with you as you face this time of grief and loss. Praying that your faith and your many good memories will see you through this. Pam Debelak and Mary Young"
"Sharon and Family, We?re so sorry to learn of the loss of your Mom. She sure sounded like a fun and busy lady who was loved by so many! May your good memories help to ease your sadness. We?ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers."
"Sharon and family, so sorry to read of Dorothy\'s passing, we have missed seeing her in Big Bay, but will remember her smiling personality. Such a wonderful lady, and I\'m sure a great mother. Paul and Donna Beauchaine. "
"My heart is sad to hear that Dorothy has left us. She was a remarkable woman and dear friend. Our families have been connected for several generations. I had the great privilege of working at Wolff?s Sewing Center with Dorothy while I was a college student. She taught me many things about fashion, fabrics, sewing techniques, poise and grace. Most recently I visited with her often when I went to Brookridge to visit my mother. She always greeted me with a smile and a hug. I will miss her. Hugs to Gail, Sharon, Peter and your families. Christine (Berryman) DeYonke"
"Dear Peter, I\'m so sorry for your loss. It seems no matter how old we are when we lose a parent, we feel like an orphan. I pray you will find comfort."
"We spent lots of time together when I was young for which I have lots of fond memories. I loved their big house in Marquette?especially at Christmas time. I remember hearing so much laughter during our annual potato sausage making every year for the holidays. Time at the farm in Newberry was always special running barefoot through the garden and apple orchard?Picking apples and bringing them to my mom and Dorothy to make a pie! Best pie I have ever had!! And selling vegetables off the back of the pick up truck. And watching the guys play smear?so much smear!! And Spending weekends at their camp and then home in Big Bay, and camping in Grand Marais. Lots of beach time there. Dorothy always looked nice and dressed like a lady. Even at the old Gummerson hunting camp when we?d get together in the fall for our pasty dinner she?d often have a skirt on with matching jewelry. She won the prize at my bridal shower for correctly answering the most questions for knowing me the best. I guess all our talks meant something to her as well as they did to me. I will miss her so very much but I know she is happy and at peace in her heavenly home. If I listen real close, I can hear the joy and laughter coming from the reunion that?s taking place of all who have gone before her. Rest In Peace Dorothy. Until we meet again. "
"So very sorry for your loss, Gail. Keeping you in our hearts and prayers. Much love, Diane and Bill Kahler"
"Dottie always provided a welcoming atmosphere in her home both in Newberry and Big Bay for all who were in her company. Her legacy continues with her children. A life well lived?"
"I met Dorothy while my father in law was living at Brookridge Heights . She was a wonderful lady and I always enjoyed talking with her and playing bingo. In my thoughts and prayers. "
"What sad news. Gail, Sharon and Peter, thank you for sharing your mom with me. I learned a lot from your mom, most embarrassingly, that you can make homemade vegetable soup. Dorothy was so giving and warm in sharing her home and family. I remember staying at the house on Hewitt when I was a Graduate Assistant before I found an apartment and later when I returned to do my Graduate Recital. Wonderful memories of Big Bay: On one occasion, she assured me my husband Donald (a New Yorker) would be fine, when he went out with Ray, somewhere in some vehicle. Donald returned with no color left in his face and Ray grinning from ear to ear! But he did have an adventure. The highlight of all of my visits to Marquette was visiting with your mom. The meals she would fix, I loved the lake trout fresh from Ward?s fishing trip. And the wonderful vegetables she would bring back from the farm in Newberry. Do you remember Sharon Green?s wedding when a bunch of us stayed at the farm? My thoughts are with you and joyfully remembering all the wonderful times we had together. Much love, Gretchen Steiner "