Dora Jean LaFerle

Dora Jean LaFerle, a longtime resident of Clawson, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on May 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 93. Born on May 29, 1931, in Royal Oak, Michigan, Dora was the eldest daughter of Clyde and Dorothy Pyne. As a child living on Cherokee in Royal Oak, the family had a hen house and Dora and her younger sister, Nancy, would sell eggs door-to-door in their neighborhood for spending money.
After graduating from Royal Oak High School in 1949, Dora worked at Henry Ford Hospital, first as an elevator operator and later in the billing department. She went to school to learn keypunching, working at Taylor Garage Doors and Pioneer Engineering. She was introduced to Raymond Thorton LaFerle by mutual friends. They both shared a love of music and enjoyed the jazz at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, where the under-aged Dora would borrow the ID of Ray's older sister to enter.
Dora and Ray were married on September 15, 1951, at the First Baptist Church in Royal Oak. She encouraged Ray to take night classes at University of Detroit while he was working at Chrysler and in 1968 Ray graduated with a bachelor's degree. Dora and Ray enjoyed traveling with friends and family to various locations ranging from Alaska to the Caribbean. They also hosted regular dance parties, limbo contests and Tripoley nights in their home. Dora liked spending time at her family cabin in St. Helen, Michigan. She was an avid gardener, lifelong animal lover and enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially tennis.
Above all, Dora's greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. Having played the clarinet in high school band, she encouraged her children and grandchildren to become involved in all sorts of extracurricular activities. She was a fixture at every game, meet, play, and concert. Incredibly, she even allowed her basement to become rehearsal space for teen rock bands that were intolerably loud and out-of-tune.
For nearly seven decades, Dora made Clawson her home. She was a familiar and friendly face at the Clawson Senior Center, where she made many friends and enjoyed connecting with others.
Dora is survived by her children: Debra Jean LaFerle, Douglas Alan (Cynthia), David Brian (Kathryn), and Donald Edward (Pasqualina); her seven beloved grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Dora was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Raymond, who passed away in 2010. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Lou Tranchida.
In accordance with Dora's wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. Her family invites friends and community members to honor her memory through donations to the Clawson Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court Clawson, MI 48017. Please write checks out to the 'City of Clawson' and note that the check is a donation to the Clawson Senior Center. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dora, please visit our Tree Store.