Doris Brailean

Doris aspired to live to be 100 years old. She nearly made it, but her heart could no longer hold out, and she passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, December 22, 2025, a few months short of her 98th birthday.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George, on November 22, 2020. After George's passing, Doris moved to Waltonwood Senior Living, where she spent the last five years of her life. There, she enjoyed making new friends and warmly welcoming new residents. She truly blossomed during her time there.

Doris was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children: Cathy (the late Bill) Oaten, Cindy (Mark) Toth, Cari (John) Dingman, Rick (Debbie) Brailean, and Lynda (the late Marty) Burditt; her grandchildren: Tanya, Brad, Scott, Jennifer, Ryan, Jayson, Robert, Rachel, and Stephanie; and her great-grandchildren: Sophia, Jessica, Michael, Carson, Alaina, and the late Dean.

She was predeceased by her parents, Hazel and Diehl Konkle, and her sisters, Helen, Janet, and Carol. Doris's father abandoned the family when she was 12 years old, leading to a childhood marked by hardship. During those difficult years, the family received Christmas assistance from the Goodfellows. Because of this experience, Doris became a generous supporter of the Goodfellows and many other charitable causes throughout her life.

Doris attended Detroit Central High School and, after graduation, worked at the downtown Detroit Hudsons. It was there that her friend Mary introduced her to her brother, George. George was from Windsor, and the two would meet under the famous Kern's clock after Doris finished work.

Sewing was Doris's lifelong hobby and passion, which grew into a long and successful career at craft shows, where she specialized in making doll clothes-particularly for American Girl dolls. She was well known on the craft show circuit for 40 years and had many repeat customers who returned year after year. Doris especially loved sewing for her granddaughters, creating beautiful dresses that will always be cherished.

Doris also worked at Lord & Taylor at Twelve Oaks Mall for nearly 30 years, beginning when the mall was new to the area. She loved riding the I-275 bike trail, and as she grew older, she enjoyed taking daily walks through her neighborhood, stopping to talk with everyone she encountered. Doris could be sneaky with her daughters by asking them to take her around town for errands, but what she really wanted was to go out to eat-and boy, did she love to dine out! She was exceptionally kind and gentle, never judgmental, and always had a kind word to say about everyone.

She was an active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church, where she and her husband, George, generously volunteered their time for many annual events. She made numerous lifelong friends there and cherished each of them, along with the joy and laughter those friendships brought.

Doris will lie in state on Monday, December 29, beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by the 10:00 a.m. funeral service at Sts. Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church, 750 N. Beech Daly Rd., Dearborn Heights, Michigan 48127. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sts. Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church.