Mary E. Dochstader

Of Jackson, Michigan passed away on November 1, 2025, at the age of 83. Mary was born in Cedral, San Luis Potosi, Mexico on March 4, 1942, to parents Isidoro and Catalina Tello. She was married to her husband Henry Dochstader for 31 years. Mary retired from Meijer after 20+ years. She loved her job and her friends there. She especially made friends with the store director Jim. She asked Jim one day if she could borrow his red/white/blue tie to wear when she became a citizen and sworn in at the capitol. He obliged her as he loved her kindness and enthusiasm. Mary loved gardening, her grandchildren, and her children. She also enjoyed spending time with her sisters shopping and camping. Her sister Margaret was her best friend, and the two were always on the go. Mary could be playing in the dirt from sunup until sundown. She never outgrew this her dad said. She had a green thumb and all her neighbors loved getting flowers from her. She loved, protected and guided her children even when they didn't listen. She showed unconditional love. She also loved God most. A day didn't go by without prayer for her whole family. If you knew her, then you had the opportunity to hear about God and learn just how caring and kind she was, and how she gave of herself all the time. She will be missed dearly as she was truly a diamond in the rough. The most beautiful flower in God's garden was most definitely her. Mary is survived by her husband Henry Dochstader; children Tim Gonzalez, Joel Gonzalez, Hector Gonzalez, and Mary Beth Gonzalez (Martin) Sutton; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and siblings Margaret, Hope, Ester, Martha, Jim, Daniel, and Manuel. She is preceded in death by her parents Isidoro and Catalina Tello and siblings Joe (Humberto) Tello, Sr., Joshua Tello, and Linda Campbell. A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 3:00PM at Burden-Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home (1806 East Michigan Ave). Mary will be laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta Michigan.