Dorothy Ellen Nordstrom

On Thursday morning, December 17, 2020, in the cozy glow of her little Christmas tree and as the snow was softly falling outside, our dear mother and family matriarch, Dorothy Nordstrom (nee Lineberry), waltzed into heaven. Born in Flint, Michigan on July 23, 1930, she was the daughter of Pearl and John Lineberry. The youngest of three children, Dorothy lived her entire life in Genesee County. She graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1948. She was married to Louis Nordstrom for 24 years and together they raised three children. Dorothy loved being a homemaker and mother and she was good at it! She returned to work in 1966 when her youngest started all-day school. She worked at GLC Bowling Supply on Fenton Road, flocking bowling shirts among other things. Later, she sold organs and pianos at the Hammond Organ Studio on Chevrolet and Mackin Roads in Flint. When that store closed, she went to work at Grinnell's in Eastland Mall (Courtland Center) Burton. She sold cars at Glenn Wilson's in Fenton for a short time and then returned to selling organs and pianos at Herter Music in Flint Township. As a side gig in the '70's and '80's, she bought and maintained several income properties. She was a savvy business woman and landlord. Her entrepreneurship enabled her to leave the work force at a relatively young age to enjoy a long and full retirement. Known as “Dottie” among her bowling buddies, she bowled on the 6:15 Jets league at Southland Bowling Alley in Grand Blanc for 10+ years in the 1960's and '70's. She enjoyed travels to Alaska, Canada, Europe, several trips to the Hawaiian Islands as well as many vacations to Mackinac Island and coast-to-coast trips within the continental U.S. She loved to camp and looked forward to taking her young children camping at the East Tawas City Park every summer. Without a doubt, she and her sister, Donna, were lifelong best friends. They loved a good rummage sale find and making trips to the orchard in the fall. They continued to camp and fish and take road trips well into their golden years. Dorothy was an excellent cook and baker. Pie and apple dumplings were her specialties with crust that was hands down the absolute best! Whenever anyone dropped by, they were warmly greeted with a cup of coffee and a freshly-baked treat. In her 40's, she took up quilting and needlepoint. All of her children, her grandchildren and many friends and neighbors have at least one of her beautiful pieces to treasure. She loved going to Frankenmuth several times a year to eat chicken at Zehnder's and visit Bronner's. But by far, Dorothy's greatest passion was flower gardening. Her cute home and her beautiful yard that she lovingly nurtured for 57 years were her pride and joy. Dorothy loved all the Michigan seasons. If you happened to visit her in the summertime, you were treated to her gazebo experience... a cold beverage, a hand or two of cards or a quick game of Scrabble under the ceiling fan where one could admire her beautiful yard and flowers, listen to the birds she drew to her yard or simply enjoy a nice chat. Dorothy loved to share her favorite “Summer Place” with everyone. Above all though, she loved Christmastime the most. She was proud of her outdoor lights and decorations and the numerous Christmas trees she decorated in her home. It seems most appropriate that Dorothy has truly gone “Home” for the holidays!

She was deeply loved and will be sadly missed by her son Gary (Donna) Nordstrom of Arlington Heights, IL; daughter Linda (Larry) Smith of Linden, MI; daughter Bonnie (Dan) Jones of Flint, MI. “Nana” leaves lasting memories for her 9 grandchildren: Eric Nordstrom and wife Michelle (Kruzel) of IL; Matt Nordstrom of OR; Andy Nordstrom and wife Michelle (Rostis) of IL; Bridget Nordstrom of TN; Nicole (Smith) Dragone and husband Carman of CT; Scott Smith and wife Allison (Byrne) of Grand Blanc; Sam Smith and wife Maggie (Stach) of CO; Shawn Jones and wife Sara (Lentzer) of TN; Erin (Burchyett) Fisk and wife Annie of Grand Rapids. “Nana-the-Great” as she was lovingly called was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren: Kayli, Brody, Ava, Max, Spencer, Charlotte, Liam, Lillian, Lucy, Lawson, Peyton, Henry and Ruby. She also leaves to cherish her memory niece Billie Jo (Rick) Hooper, nephew John Lineberry, niece Leanne (Jerry) Feher and her beloved 4-legged fur baby, Itsy. Dorothy is remembered for her beautiful smile, her undeniable presence, and her quick wit. She lived a good full life and made a difference in the lives she touched. She was no “Lonesome Dove” and she never met a stranger... She had the gift for gab and made fast friends. She leaves a host of extended family and friends who will also miss her dearly.

There to welcome her into heaven are her parents, her brother Maurice (Rese) Lineberry, her sister Donna Covert, her niece Cathy Covert, her grandson Jimmy Jones, and countless friends and other family members.

Due to the social concerns surrounding public gatherings at this time, there will only be a private, family service and entombment into the mausoleum at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery.

Dorothy's family would like to express a very special thank you to the wonderful and caring staff at the Grand Blanc Fields Assisted Living facility and also to All Americans Hospice. Those who wish to donate on Dorothy's behalf may send contributions to All American Hospice, 1397 S. Linden, Suite D, Flint, MI 48532 and/or the Alzheimer Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Please brighten this time for us by sharing a fun memory of her online at www.hillfh.com. The charisma of Dorothy Nordstrom was loved by many. Her remembrance must equal the scope and reach of her infectious, magnetic personality. Please raise your glass, perhaps a Southern Comfort Manhattan with extra cherries, to Dorothy, the most golden spirit we've ever known.