Dorothy Wilder

Dorothy Louise (Strang) Wilder, 100 of Traverse City died, Sunday, October 14, 2018. She was a lifelong resident of Traverse City. She graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1936 and married Clare Wilder - a "railroad man" from Baldwin in 1941. Although Dorothy worked in a variety of jobs throughout her life, her priority was always her family. She was happy "keeping busy" and over the years was an active member of Central United Methodist Church, a long time volunteer at Traverse City Osteopathic Hospital and a board member and the head cook at Camp Roy-El.

Dorothy was referred to by her family as "Nama" and "Nama's House" is where everyone wanted to be. She kept bellies full with applesauce meatballs and icebox cookies, she kept heads and fingers warm with hand knit hats and mittens and sat for hours on Front Street to save the best parade spots. She sat up at night rubbing aching legs, pointing out the moon outside the window, and reading stories to anyone who couldn't sleep. She loved her family fiercely.

Dorothy lived a life of gratitude always looking at the bright spot in any situation and making the best of the circumstances. She made friends easily and brightened the day of those around her with her sense of humor and kindness. She leaves a legacy of family who loved her and will miss her deeply every day.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Wilder) Sullivan; son, Gordon Wilder; son-in-law, Dan Herman; grandchildren, Holly (Pat) Edmondson , Sherry (Donn) Herman-Hilker, Kimberley Herman (Mike) Mitchell, Dannan Herman (Josh) Siano, Courtney Wilder (Jack) Clark, John (Carrie) Wilder, Adam (Liz Selee) Wilder and 13 great-grandchildren, (Trevor, Kaiya, Erika, Ashley, Cole, Carson, Preston, Clara, Will, Haddie, Maiya, Sam and Amelia.)

She is preceded in death by her husband, Clare Wilder, her daughter; Nan (Wilder) Herman; parents, Frank Strang and Lena Hubbell, sister Frances Lewis and son-in-law, Herb Sullivan.

Private burial took place at Oakwood Cemetery in Traverse City. Memorial contributions may be directed to Camp Roy-El Scholarship Endowment Community Foundation; 250 E. Front, Ste. 310 Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts and memories with the family. The family choose the new location of Life Story Funeral Home, 400 Hammond Rd. W. Traverse City.