Delores M. "Dodie" Mikowski

Delores "Dodie" Marie Mikowski
SUTTONS BAY - Delores "Dodie" Marie Mikowski, 94, of Suttons Bay, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at home with her family by her side. Dodie was born August 9, 1928 in Suttons Bay, the daughter of Peter and Justina (Wiesler) Leabo. On May 8, 1948 at St. Michaels Church in Suttons Bay, she married Leonard Leo Mikowski from Cedar MI, who preceded her in death on April 6, 2003.
Dodie was a life-long member of St. Michaels Church in Suttons Bay and a woman of unwavering faith.
She was the matriarch of our family. A remarkable woman, that not only took care of her ever-extending family but was known for her hospitality and generosity to all. She was a natural in the kitchen, mastering many Norwegian and Polish dishes which were plentiful at family gatherings.
Dodie and Leonard were members of a square-dancing club called the Space Steppers and were quite the couple on the dance floor. They enjoyed playing Euchre with family and friends.
Dodie has a long history of salon services in our area. She and her sister Marjorie opened and ran DoMar Beauty Studio in Northport, MI, which was later relocated to Suttons Bay. She also worked at the Park Place Hotel as a beauty operator. Years passed and she then opened Country Curl Beauty Salon in her home on Revold Rd. Her career spanned decades into her early 80's. She went to people's homes that couldn't make it to her, to the nursing homes and often provided courtesy rides to and from the salon. Her clients became her lifelong friends.
She was a dedicated walker well into her 70's, often 6 miles a day and reduced the distance but kept walking into her 80's. She liked cross country skiing and loved lying in the sun. Her yard and flowers were a showcase and a testament to her passion for gardening and had a unique flair for home decorating.
Dodie lovingly made her hand embroidered quilts for countless members of her family. They are all cherished and will continue on as family heirlooms.
Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to a very special friend, Paula Plamondon, for caring for Mom as well as other members of our family for over 20 years. During this time, Paula has become a treasured member of our family.
Delores is survived by her children, Delores "Ditto" (Leonard) Couturier, Greg (Linda) Mikowski, Dawn (Jim) Collins, Leonard "Mike" (Elaine) Mikowski, Joe Mikowski, Tony Mikowski, Justine "Tina" (Joseph) Cook, Mark (Kris) Mikowski; daughter-in-law Kathleen Mikowski; 22 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Justina "Gusti" Leabo; her husband, Leonard Mikowski; her siblings, Bertha Bonnett, Theresa "Trace" Sparks, Helen Priest, Louis Leabo, Albert Leabo, Marjorie Oscar, Peter Leabo, Andrew Leabo; her son, Peter Mikowski; and her grandchildren, Mason Mikowski and Amy Smith.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 28th with the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at St. Michaels Church in Suttons Bay. The mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 29th also at the church with family greeting friends at 10:00 a.m. Luncheon to follow and Burial to be in St. Michael's Cemetery. Father Kenneth Stachnik, Father Wayne Dziekan and Father Leonard Paul will concelebrate.
Memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Guardian Angel Tuition Program, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653; St. Michaels Church, PO Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or Promedica Hospice, 4000 Eastern Sky Drive, Suite 2, Traverse City, MI 49684.
Please share condolences and memories with Dodie's family at www.martinson.info
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.