Dorothy “Dori” Ann Guoin of Fraser, Michigan, passed away on July 16, 2026. She was a cherished sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Dorothy Guoin was born on March 29, 1951, in Highland Park, Michigan, to Edna Louise Robbins and Marvin Andrew Guoin, the third and youngest of their three children.
Dorothy spent her childhood in Clawson but later moved north to the small town of Smith’s Creek, Michigan, due to her father’s desire to live in the country. She spent her teen years there and graduated from Memphis High School. Dorothy and her family lived in an old farmhouse, which she said took some getting used to, as it didn’t have running water for the first few months. Looking back on her life, Dorothy said she enjoyed certain aspects of both city living and country living.
Dorothy was a lifelong learner and accomplished multiple degrees including a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in history as well as an associate’s degree in criminal justice. She worked for over 20 years for Blue Cross/Blue Shield and made many lifelong friends there, who became part of her family.
She was an avid history buff, including being a long-time member of the Fraser Historical Society. She also enjoyed researching genealogy and learning about her family history. She was proud of her French and Native American heritage. She traveled to learn more about her family history and to meet extended family, including a distant cousin in Quebec. Dorothy was also involved in Civil War and the Feast of Ste. Clair reenactments, where she made her own authentic period costumes.
Dorothy was independent, passionate, and kind-hearted. She loved animals, nature, classic movies and movie stars, cheesecake, and anything Peanuts. She thoroughly enjoyed spirited conversations, never shying away from a lively debate. Dorothy said the old adage “Never talk about religion or politics” was bad advice—which she learned from an early age after observing her father engaging in controversial discussions every Sunday after dinner—because these are the two things people really cared about. Personally, she was a faithful Catholic and conservative Republican, who loved God and loved others, regardless of their background or beliefs.
She is survived by her sister, Laura, and her sister-in-law, Peggy. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, including Derek, Pamela (Mike), Daniel (Sue), Jeremy (Michelle), Anna (Casey), Valerie (George), and David (Lori), as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews, and her best friend, Jeanette. Family was very important to her, and she was close to extended family. She enjoyed spending holidays and vacations with them. She also enjoyed going to her great-nieces’ and great-nephews’ sporting events, musical performances, plays, and graduation parties.
She was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother, Dennis, brother-in-law, Jeffrey, and niece-in-law, Jessica.
