Annabelle L. Dolsen

DOLSEN

ANNABELLE L. Age 92, longtime resident of Northville, formerly of New Hudson, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2017. She was born March 23, 1924 in Pontiac, Michigan; daughter of Norme and Louise (nee Oldenburg) Bowers. Annabelle graduated from New Hudson High School, Class of 1942. She continued her education receiving a two year teaching certificate from Michigan Normal College, a Bachelor Degree, as well as a Master's Degree throughout the years. Annabelle was united in marriage to the love of her life Francis G. "Frank" Dolsen on June 30, 1956; they spent 60 years as husband and wife until his death on September 4, 2016. Annabelle began her impressive career in education in 1944 as an Elementary School Teacher in New Hudson. In 1954, she took a one year leave to teach at a government school in Japan. Upon her return, she resumed her teaching position with New Hudson Elementary School and began working in Administration where she became the first female Principal in the State of Michigan. She retired in May 1988 and to honor her 43 year tenure in public education, New Hudson Elementary School was renamed Dolsen Elementary. Annabelle was a member of First Baptist Church of Northville. A talented knitter, she organized a knitters group which consistently had 10-15 members and met for over 30 years. She taught many people how to knit and knitted caps for premature babies at hospitals. Annabelle was an avid golfer and belonged to a golf league for many years. She was a voracious reader; she read all topics and types of books. She had a very active social life; she enjoyed her Friday morning hair appointments, having lunch with retired friends from school, eating at Moe's on 10, as well as attending 100th Bomb Group and POW reunions with her husband. Annabelle adored her dog Scruffy and cherished her family. She hosted many family reunions and could always be counted on to bring a delicious pie to family dinner. Annabelle was loved by all the wonderful people who surrounded her and will be dearly missed. Annabelle is survived by her sister-in-law, Stella Dolsen; her nieces and nephews, Carolyn (Lyle) McLachlan, Roger (Kay) Bowers, and Julie (Kirby) Dasinger; and her grandchildren, Daniel Ayers, Rebekah Ayers, and Natasha Young. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother, Thurman Bowers. The visitation will be held Friday, February 10, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Northville, 217 N. Wing, Northville. Mrs. Dolsen will be laid to rest next to her husband at Wixom Cemetery in Wixom, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to First Baptist Church of Northville Youth Program, 217 N. Wing, Northville, MI 48167. Share online condolences at

www.casterlinefuneralhome.com.