10/27/2026
Dorothy Anne Fistler
Dorothy Anne Fistler, age 92, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 26, 2026. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Dorothy lived a beautiful life filled with faith, laughter, generosity, and an extraordinary love for her family and others.
Born June 9, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, Dorothy was the cherished daughter of James Francis Foley, a United States mail carrier, and Dorothy Helen Foley, a schoolteacher. She shared a special bond with her older brother, James Edgar Foley. To Dorothy, he was always "Jimmy," and to him, she was always "Sis," affectionate names they cherished for their lifetime.
One of the greatest love stories of Dorothy's life began in her teenage years when she met a handsome young neighbor named Clarence Theodore Fistler, affectionately known as Ted. Growing up in the same Detroit neighborhood and attending the same schools, their friendship blossomed into a love that would last a lifetime. Dorothy knew what she wanted from the very beginning, boldly telling the other girls, "Hands off! He's mine!" And hers he was for 60 wonderful years.
Dorothy and Ted were married on October 26, 1952, at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Dorothy was the proud wife of Staff Sergeant Clarence Theodore Fistler of the United States Air Force. Their early married years took them to San Bernardino, California, where they welcomed their first two children. Dorothy and Ted returned back to Michigan in 1956, settling in Royal Oak where they had two more children. For nearly 25 years, they made their sweet house a loving home and created a lifetime of cherished family memories. One of Dorothy's most favorite memories of that time period was the traveling they did to watch the Little Caesars women's softball team. She still has the trophy they were presented with as Little Caesars #1 fans.
In 1979, Dorothy and Ted began a new chapter, moving to Traverse City, Michigan, with their two youngest children. There, they spent 34 wonderful years playing golf together, eating at favorite restaurants, going to the show together, playing card games, and enjoying their growing family. As the years passed, their family continued to blossom with the arrival of grandchildren and great grandchildren, filling their lives with even more love and laughter. Dorothy mothered not only 4 children, but she stepped in to help raise two of her grandchildren, Erica and Amy. This was not only due to her servant heart and her love for family, but it also showed to all those around her the power of doing what Jesus would do.
After 13 years without her beloved Ted, Dorothy looked forward with faith and anticipation to the day he would be waiting to welcome her at the gates of Heaven. And how beautifully fitting that her journey home would come on October 26th, the anniversary of the day they promised their lives to one another. This year would have marked their 74th wedding anniversary, and while their family can only imagine the joy of their reunion, they like to believe that Heaven had something extraordinary planned. After all those years apart, perhaps the most beautiful anniversary celebration of their lives was the one they would share together again, in the presence of their Lord and Savior and beloved family that went before them. What a glorious reunion that must have been.
Dorothy had a bubbly, outgoing personality, a smile that would light up any room, and a heart that seemed to have endless room for others. She found great joy in serving people, especially those who needed a little extra love, warmth, or kindness. For many years, Dorothy led the local Sleeping Bags for the Homeless organization, helping provide warmth, comfort, and dignity to those in great need. Her dedication to this meaningful work even caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey, who featured Dorothy and the sleeping bag story in a television segment.
Her servant's heart was equally evident in her church, where she devoted countless hours to caring for others. For years, she helped in the children's ministry, faithfully preparing delicious fried chicken for the children each week. She also spent many hours in the church kitchen, lovingly preparing meals for funerals and gatherings. To Dorothy, serving others was never an obligation; it was simply an extension of who she was.
While Dorothy gave generously to her community, her greatest pride and joy was always her family. She treasured being a mother to her children, and when grandchildren came along, she discovered that a grandmother's love truly knows no bounds. She was known to be the best Grandmother shouting from the stands and showing up for all those "grandparents days" at school. Each grandchild held a special place in her heart, and she loved those grandbabies as though they were her very own. As her family continued to grow, so did the love she had to give.
Dorothy was a woman of many talents and interests. A swimmer during her school years, she later developed a love for reading, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She was also known for her passion for gardening, creating some of the most beautiful flower gardens in the neighborhood. Her gardens were a reflection of her spirit: colorful, welcoming, and lovingly tended. What often surprised people was her knowledge of the Detroit Tigers and all their players. She was the most loyal fan.
Although Dorothy's most cherished role was caring for her family, she also spent time working outside the home, including caring for other families. One of her favorite accomplishments came during her time as a prep cook at Ricardi's, a beloved Italian restaurant. When the restaurant's owner encouraged Dorothy to enter a cake and pie contest in Traverse City, she accepted the challenge. She created a beautiful and delicious ricotta cheesecake that took first place, triumphing over contestants who were professional chefs! It was an accomplishment she treasured and a delightful reminder that Dorothy had a few surprises up her sleeve.
Dorothy's greatest legacy lives on through her loving family. She is survived by her four children: Laura Lynn Smith and her husband, Bill, of Traverse City; Paul Henry Fistler and his wife, Leanne, of Plymouth, Michigan; Elizabeth Anne Roach and her husband, Tom, of Harrietta, Michigan; and Jennifer Kathleen Kreta of Traverse City, and Scott Kreta of Traverse City.
She was the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren: Erica Walsh and her husband, Dr. Ed Walsh; David Smith and his wife, Rosaline; Amy Post and her husband, Mark; Paul Smith; Rebecca Roach; Zachary Roach; Kevin Kreta and his fiancée, Emily; and Rachel Hardy and her husband, Thomas. Dorothy was also blessed with many great-grandchildren, with another precious little one on the way.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ted; her parents, James and Dorothy Foley; her dear brother, Jimmy; her grandparents; her best friends, Marilynn and Millie, and many cherished aunts and uncles.
In keeping with Dorothy's wishes, there will be no funeral service. Instead, her family asks that she be remembered in a way that would have brought her the greatest joy: by sharing love with others. Offer a helping hand, prepare a meal for someone in need, show kindness to a stranger, or simply take the time to make someone feel special. These small acts of love would be the most beautiful tribute to a woman who spent her life giving so much of herself to others.
Though Dorothy will be deeply missed, her family finds peace in knowing that she is home with her Lord and Savior and reunited with her beloved Ted. Her love lives on in the family she cherished, the lives she touched, and the countless seeds of kindness she planted along the way. A life so beautifully lived, a heart so generously shared, and a love that will continue to bloom for generations to come.
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