Doris J. Florian

Doris J. Florian, 88, of Stevensville passed away on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services.

Doris was born on April 24, 1937, in Riverside, Mich., to Ira "Ed" and Joyce (Hammond) Kerr. She graduated from Coloma High School in 1954 and on Sept. 21, 1957, Doris married the love of her life, John Florian, at her parents' home on Paw Paw Lake in Coloma. She began her working career as an executive secretary at VM Corp. in Benton Harbor and later at the Whirlpool Administration Center. After having children, she stepped back and became a full-time mom at the couple's Lake Michigan home and later helped to manage a number of multi- and single-family rental units she and John had acquired over the years.

Doris understood the importance of securing open spaces for public use and protecting natural features unique to Southwest Michigan. While holding the position as chairman of the Lincoln Township Parks Commission, she led efforts that resulted in what ultimately became the Lincoln Township Beach Park, the township's Sports Complex along Cleveland Avenue, and improvements to the Glenlord Beach Overlook Park, to name a few.

She was also a member of the Grand Mere Association, which was instrumental in leading efforts that ultimately culminated in the discontinuance of sand mining operations and the conveyance of more than 985 acres of land that now form the Grand Mere State Park. In 1986, she was picked to serve as a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee and helped draft the first strategic plan for the park and was subsequently named to the Citizens Committee for Michigan State Parks in 1988; a committee for which she served as vice chair.

Doris also enjoyed traveling with her husband, family and friends with destinations that included Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Russia, China, Mexico and much of the Caribbean. However, what gave Doris the greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Most importantly, Doris knew that God had a place for her and that we would all be together again. She was not afraid.

Doris is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, John; children: Marc (Shelly) Florian, and Cheri (Scott) DeFries of Stevensville; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Joyce (Robert) Myers.