Dorothy D Deem

Dorothy D. Deem, a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, at Eden Fields Assisted Living. Born on November 30, 1934, in Posen, Michigan, Dorothy was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Cecilia (Krajniak) Kendall. Her life was a testament to the power of family, faith, and community involvement.
Dorothy's journey began as a loving sister to Lawrence (Sally) Kendall, Ernie (Linda) Kendall, Joanne (Bruce) Collier, Catherine Rood, and John (Randi) Kendall. Her path in life was marked by the joy of motherhood, as she raised her children Robert (Jane) Cousineau, Darrell (Annette) Cousineau, Rodney Russell, Dorothy (John) Starks, Ed Sherman, Carol (Dan Donaghue) Deem, Jodee Hall, and Naomie Deem with unwavering love and dedication. Her legacy continued to flourish with her adored 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy and pride to her heart.
Dorothy's life was one of service and compassion, as evidenced by her long tenure at an Adult Foster Home in Arenac County. Her caring nature touched the lives of many, providing comfort and a sense of family to those in her care. She extended this generosity of spirit to her lifelong membership at the Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church. There, she was a pillar of the community, selflessly serving others through her work at the food pantry, funeral luncheons, and numerous other church activities.
Her interests reflected the depth of her love for her family and the outdoors. Family dinners, camping trips, and being a constant supporter at her grandchildren's sporting events were among Dorothy's favorite pastimes. She also found great pleasure in crafting wedding cakes, a talent that brought happiness to many on their special day. Dorothy's connection with nature was evident in her joy of spending time outdoors, where she found peace and tranquility.
To know Dorothy was to know a person who was loving, faith-filled, and spirited. She embraced life with a passion that was contagious and an optimism that uplifted everyone around her. Her first husband, Earl Cousineau whom predeceased her in 2015, father to her children, and her second husband, Dee Deem, who predeceased her in 2021, shared in the warmth of her life journey, as did her beloved daughter, Cynthia Russell, stepdaughter Deeanne Sherman, and her brother-in-law, Dan Rood, all of whom predeceased her.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 24, 2025,, at 11 am from Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Thomas Held presiding with inurnment in Resurrection of the Lord Cemetery. Friends may visit at the Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home Standish Chapel, on Thursday, from 2 to 8 pm. On Friday, Dorothy will lie in state at the church from 10 am until time of mass. The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to Eden Fields and their staff for the compassionate care given to their mother.