Dorothea Ethel Watkins

Dorothea Ethel Watkins, "Dot," age 96, died on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at Green Acers Assisted Living in Fenton, Michigan. She was born June 3, 1918 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Bruno Moch and the late Augusta (nee: Schultz) Moch.Where many of us may be more affectionately known to by our nickname, Dorothea had to pay extra attention as she listened for one of two terms of endearment, "Dot" and "Gram." Nicknames are usually extended from a sense of warmth, comfort and love,…and Dot embodied each one of these throughout her journey in life. When considering the 96 years that Dot walked this sod, one can only imagine the scope and breadth of all she experienced along the way. Born in 1918, while our country was in the throes of World War I, it was her birth that brought a little sunshine amidst the clouds of the day. The early years found Dot attending the Harper Intermediate School where she made it as far as the 8th grade. As life pressed on and young adulthood took root, a special young man, Jerry came into Dot's life,…and things would never be the same. Their love continued to grow, and ultimately led them to the Justice of the Peace in whose presence they promised themselves in marriage on April 4, 1942. The next 30 years found these lovebirds making their home in Detroit, and welcoming their precious daughter, Carol into the world,…a gift from God that helped to complete this little picture of "family." In November of 1972, Dot and her family decided to follow the lead of the new suburbanites heading northward and relocated to the city of West Bloomfield. After many wonderful years as Detroit loyalists, the Watkins' became part of a new and sprawling community that afforded them numerous blessings and a host of special new friends and neighbors. Following two decades of warm and happy memories in their Oakland County sanctuary, life became a bit difficult and heart-wrenching as Dot's beloved Jerry went home to be with the Lord on November 25, 1992. After 50 beautiful years of making memories and growing deeper in love together, his job was changed from that of husband to Guardian Angel,…and the love has continued ever since.How does one get to the age of 96? Well,…you can bet it's not by sitting on the couch, eating bon-bon's and watching television. It's usually the result of staying sharp and active, and that is exactly how Dot achieved her stature. When many around her sat with their knitting needles in hand, Dot was out bowling. And not merely bowling, but keeping it quite competitive. At the age of 89, she was pulling down a 150 average,…a feat that many people half that age cannot achieve. And just imagine…a 78 year old woman ridin' the waves on a Jet Ski…and screaming for more power! Yet some of the best fun & enjoyment she ever experienced were those times on the boat with her daughter Carol, and son-in-law, Ron. Dot absolutely loved being on the water and graciously accepted every invitation aboard,…but it came with a price. Knowing the incredible baking skills she possessed, and the magic she could perform with an oven, her ticket aboard meant that she needed to come accompanied by one of her specialties,…either those delectable Potato Chip Cookies, her insatiable Lemon Bars, or those scrumptious Pizzelles she often made. Boating = Baking,…but she was more than happy to comply.Every once in a while, a little drinky-poo does a body good,…and Dot's drink of choice was unquestionably the ever-popular, Seven & Seven. Whether on the boat, in the backyard, or anywhere in close proximity to a bottle of Seagram's and Seven-Up,…that meant "party time" to Dot. On her 77th birthday, she was asked what she would like to drink,...of course, it was a 7 & 7. And her favorite libation never tasted better than when imbibed with her friends around the card table. Every week for over 35 years, Dot hosted a game night for she and some of her lady friends that became a fun and memorable tradition. The game was called "31,"...and they played for quarters. Between the cards flying around the table and the rousing conversation that was shared, it all made for a night of entertainment that they looked forward to with eager anticipation. She got where she was because she "lived life to the fullest!" And if you were to ask her, even now, what was her greatest joy in life, the word "grandchildren" would be the first one spoken. She loved her grandkids immensely with a care & compassion that only a grandparent can comprehend. Each moment in their company lifted her spirits and gave her renewed vigor and reason to press on. With granddaughter's, Shari & Kelly, a cherished memory were those many back-rubbing sessions that the 3 of them shared simultaneously. And none of them will ever forget those treasured trips to Big Boy's where Grandma let them pick their favorite songs on the Juke Box…right there at the table. Nor will the memory fade any time soon for her great-grandkids as they recall the $1 dollar bill that Grandma had for them upon each visit. For that and so much more, Dot truly filled the role of Grandma with a love that will last a lifetime, especially with each reflection shared. A loving wife, mother and grandma, Dot leaves a legacy of love that will be cherished by all who were blessed to know her and be touched by her, a love that was like no other. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Dot was the beloved wife of 50 years to the late Jerry. Loving mother of Carol (Ron) Jackson. Devoted grandmother of Shari (Rich) Brown, and Kelly (Brock) O'Harran. Caring "GG" of Morgan, and Mason Brown, Nolan, Toran, and Tatum O'Harran. Sister of Gertrude Sampier. She was also survived by many other loving family members and friends. Dot's visitation will be held on Friday, December 12th from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile) in Warren. Her Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Saturday at the Funeral Home. Memorial donations are appreciated to Hometown Home Health & Hospice, 1681 Woodbridge Park Drive, Lapeer, Michigan 48446.Please share memories at her guest book.