Dolores Blashill

Dolores Marie Blashill, nee Flanigan

Dolores passed peacefully from this life on Friday, February 26th, 2021, at Orchard Creek Care Facility where she was a resident. She was deeply loved by family, friends, and caretakers and was affectionately referred to by many as “Dolo".

Dolores was born in Detroit during the Great Depression, learning as many did, to make do with what could be afforded, something she carried with her when she had her own children.

After graduating from St. Mary's of Redford High School she was hired by General Motors as an executive secretary, a highly regarded position. This provided her many opportunities for travel which would acclimate her to a life of travel when in December of 1962 she married William Blashill, who was on leave from the United States Navy. Dolores and Bill started their family in 1964 with the birth of their first son, William, in Detroit. Four children followed with Patrick being born in Morocco, and Michael, Kathleen, and Amy all born in Rhode Island.

She was the perfect example of what a mother should be, always providing for her family. This was most apparent while her husband was at sea, being left alone with five children all under the age of 10, and a few of those times in a new place. She was a Saint as this all occurred without complaints.

In 1978 Bill retired from the Navy, prompting them to move back to Michigan and family, where they would provide a wonderful life to their children in Traverse City. Dolores continued her love of travel with Bill after their retirement by heading to Gulf Shores, Alabama every winter, visits to Denver to see Amy and family, and of course, the “Somewhere in Time“ weekends on Mackinac Island, where she loved dressing up in beautiful period dresses and hats. She was a true lady.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel (Tiny) Howard Flanigan and Estelle Flanigan, her three brothers Daniel, William, and Lawrence, and her husband of 56 years William George Blashill.

She is survived by sisters, Kathy (Ken) Millard and Judy (Mike, deceased) Sermo; her children William (Debra), Patrick (Kimberly), Michael, Kathleen (Timothy) Young, and Amy (Kevin) Wrede; grandchildren, Billy, Stella, Emma, Maggie, Abby, Sam, and Connor; and many nieces and nephews.

She will be missed.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 20th, at 11:00 AM at Saint Francis Church in Traverse City, MI. The family will greet friends starting at 10 am. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.