Dorothy L. Mekaru, age 89, of Livonia, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023. Dorothy was born September 17, 1934, in Bear Lake Township, Michigan, the daughter of Ervin and Lucille (Spartz) Smazel, step-daughter to John Gauthier. She married Charles S. Mekaru August 1, 1964. Dorothy graduated from Aquinas College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1957. She graduated from The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. with a Master's degree of social work in 1962. She spent several decades serving as a social worker at the Battle Creek VA, Sarah Fisher Home, Ardmore Acres, and retired from Angela Hospice in Livonia after many years of service.

Dorothy was an amazing mother and wife. She possessed an excellent sense of humor.

She found joy in the smallest of moments.

She lived a life of service both in her professional career and in many volunteer endeavors.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of 59 years, Charles; children, Sheila (Stephen) Branigan, Kevin (Liz) Mekaru, and Stephen (Karyn) Mekaru; grandchildren, Katy, Kelly, Bianca, Hannah, and Kayla. Dorothy was preceded in death by her two sisters, Evangelene and Juanita.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 29th at 1:00 PM at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 N Haggerty Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170. The body will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia.

Memorial tributes can be made to Angela Hospice .