Doris Helen Malfese

MALFESE, Doris Helen - Age 89; cherished mother and grandmother, of Brighton, peacefully passed away the morning of Friday, April 18, 2025 lovingly surrounded by her family and friends, leaving a void on this planet that they cannot fill.

Doris was born October 6, 1935 in Berwyn, IL, the daughter of Edwin C. and Helen Louise (Bergmann) Warkentien. She was a 1953 graduate of Downers Grove High School in Downers Grove, IL. She had resided in Brighton for the past six years after moving from Fenton. During her 89 years she had lived in multiple states and became an adventurous and passionate world traveler, hiker, photographer and lover of nature. She was also a compassionate woman who truly cared for people, which showed as she lovingly raised her two daughters and patiently taught cognitively impaired students in the Ann Arbor School District. She also took special pride and joy in showing her grandsons the world through personalized trips with each of them. Doris also accomplished a weeklong bicycling trip across the ‘palm’ of the state of Michigan. Her other interests included pottery, photography (until you could no longer get film developed?!), taking vacations with her daughters and their families and entertaining family and friends. She also had a huge heart for animals. Her enduring generous, adventurous and loving nature were her greatest qualities and a part of her legacy that we hope will inspire others.

Grieving her loss are her daughters, Michelle (Dan) Traynor of Holland and Dawn (Jim) Racine of Brighton; grandsons, Eric Traynor of Lakewood, CO, Sean Traynor of Bend, OR, Cpt. Zachary (Briana) Racine of Cameron, NC and Ben (Abby Petit) Racine of Austin, TX; sister, Sandy (Ron) Bondlow of Plymouth, MA; brother, Don (Ramona) Warkentien of Overland Park, KS; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Helen Warkentien.

Visitation with the family will take place at 10:00 AM and services at 11:00 AM at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, 2101 S. Hacker Road, Brighton on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Close family friend, Pastor Keith Dwyer will be officiating. A luncheon will follow, details will be provided at the church. Burial will take place that afternoon at 3:30 PM at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Brighton. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider supporting, in memoriam, either of the two charities Doris was committed to: Freedom River, 6716 Winans Lake Road, Brighton, MI 48116 or Family Promise of the Lakeshore, 2160 Crozier Ave., Muskegon, MI 49441. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

*Special Note: In lieu of a eulogy, we will use that time to allow family and friends to pass the microphone and share a short message about Doris. If you are uncomfortable speaking in public, or you are unable to attend, please send your comment/thought to her daughter Michelle through Doris obituary page at Sharp Funeral home (www.sharpfuneralhomes.com), to be read at Doris’ service.