Dorena Marie Stahelin

In loving memory our beautiful Dorena Marie Stahelin passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the age of 80, while surrounded by her entire loving family she so deeply cherished. Dorena "Dory" was born in Detroit, MI on July 11, 1944, to her mother Dorothy Audrey-Alvina Mason and father, Oliver Joseph Boyce. Moving to Lansing in 1950 she met her lifelong soul mate Robert Stahelin as a teenager, and they were married April 25, 1962. Celebrating more than 63 years of marriage this spring. Dory is survived by her loving husband Robert Stahelin, her daughter Cherie (Chris) DeVine, son Robert R. (Tammy) Stahelin II, grandchildren: Ashlie (Corey) Corr, James M. Hargitt III, Adrianah M. Stahelin, Robert R. "Scoob" Stahelin III, along with her precious great grandchildren: Declan Corr, Haven Corr and Cedar Hargitt. She is also survived by her God Daughter and niece Amanda Davids and her brother Gary Boyce.
After a long and courageous battle with chronic illness, Dorena fought her conditions with the heart of a warrior and unwavering strength, determined to share more love, positive energy, happy smiles, and most of all the precious moments with her loved ones, while always finding the beauty and silver lining in every situation that life presented. Though she may have lost the battle with her illness, she triumphed in the battle of living a blessed life creating a legacy of family, friendships, joy, wisdom, and boundless love for everyone who crossed her path. Dory had a true artist's soul. Through her paintings and a passion for creating art, she brought beauty to everything and everyone she ever touched. But her most breathtaking creation was her family. She poured her heart into shaping and nurturing three generations with love, pride, and encouragement. She never judged-only saw the best in people and made sure they all saw it too. She had an amazing gift for making others feel appreciated, never missing the chance to share a kind word, a warm smile, or a heartfelt laugh and warm embracing hugs. She especially loved meeting up with friends and family for a good meal, and conversation. These simple moments in life and deep loving family connections were glorious treasures to her.
We now find comfort in knowing that Dorena is free from her pain and now at peace resting in the arms of her Savior Jesus in the Lord's kingdom of Heaven.
"Don't weep at my grave, for I am not there,
I have a date with a butterfly to dance in the air."
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 10:30 a.m., at St. Gerard Catholic Church, with Msgr. Bernie Reilly officiating. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, May 19, 4:00-7:00 p.m., at Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Delta Chapel, where the Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue Tuesday, 9:30-10:30 a.m., at St. Gerard Catholic Church.
In Lieu of flowers; please consider making a donation in Dorena Stahelin's name to:
McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation at:
https://www.mclaren.org/lansing-foundation/documents-and-links/online-donation-form-mclaren-greater-lansing-found-6872,
or Saint Gerard Catholic Church at: https://stgerard.org/special-donations-online.