Dorothy Jeannette Hale

Dorothy was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 31, 1950 to Gloria Wilson. After graduating from Morgan Park High School in 1968, she attended University of Illinois for an associates degree. She went on to work for Montgomery Ward Life Insurance, and later for Shamrock Recruiting where she met her future husband.

Dorothy met her love, Dillon “Matt” Hale when she was 19 years old, and they were married on October 30, 1972 in Oak Park, Illinois. Matt’s three children: Kimberly (née Hale) Hrobsky, Kevin Hale, KayCee (née Hale) Crowley were joined by the addition of Kerri (née Hale) Johnson, Kristi Hale, Kelly Hale, and Karen (née Hale) Suzara. The family grew again by nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Dorothy worked hard to make sure her family knew they were loved, and to bring beauty into their lives through all things. Though she never considered herself an artist, Dorothy loved to draw, watercolor, and sketch. She planted award winning gardens, using flowers to color the inside and outside of her home. A lover of music and art, Dorothy’s spirit was fed through beautiful music, and several forms of art. She encouraged her family to feed their spirits too, through whatever spoke to them.

Dorothy made friends wherever she went, and one of her many gifts was to make someone feel seen and loved. She was known for her exceptional brownies, but could also throw together meals for 15 people like it was a normal Tuesday.

The last few years were a struggle as she navigated an ailing body and a strong mind. On a lovely sunny day, Dorothy passed comfortably in her own home, in her own bed, embraced in love.

Preceded in death by her husband (August 26, 2023), Dorothy and Matt are together again.

There will be a celebration of her life at a later date. In lieu of sending flowers, please share her favorite past times. Plant something that makes you happy, make something pretty, feed someone you love, and tell everyone you love that they make your world a better place.

The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.