Dorothy J. MacTavish

Dorothy MacTavish, Nov. 7, 1921 – Nov. 12, 2025

Dorothy Jeanette MacTavish, age 104, passed away peacefully and went home to the Lord on November 11, 2025. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Born on November 7, 1921, in Houtzdale, PA, Dorothy was the only child of Hilma and Swan Swanson. She grew up in the small coal mining town, spending joyful days with cousins and friends, and especially loved visiting the Sherkel Theatre. After graduating from the Altoona School of Business, she returned to Houtzdale to work as a payroll clerk at Gulbranson Coal Mines.

In 1947, Dorothy married her beloved husband, William MacTavish. The couple moved to Detroit and settled in Allen Park in 1952, where Dorothy became a longtime member of Mt. Hope Lutheran Church.

Dorothy devoted her life to her family, creating a warm and welcoming home where she and Bill raised four sons. She found joy tending her flower gardens, watching birds and butterflies from her porch, playing pinochle with loved ones, and making frequent visits back to Houtzdale to reconnect with family and friends. A gifted quilter, Dorothy crafted many beautiful pieces that will continue to comfort and inspire those she loved.

Her relationship with Bill was truly special. Known affectionately as “Bill and Dot,” they shared 55 wonderful years together. After Bill’s passing in 2003, Dorothy lovingly preserved the letters he wrote to her during his WWII service, reading them often and keeping his memory close to her heart.

All who knew Dorothy will remember her as a genuinely kind and gracious soul, always greeting others with a bright smile, twinkle in her eye, and warm embrace.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband William, her grandson Douglass Roy MacTavish, and great-grandson William Jacob MacTavish. She is survived by her sons William (Mary Kay), Kevin (Charlotte), Jeffrey, and David (Audrey), 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Tributes in Dorothy’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.ALZ.org.

A visitation will be held at Weise Funeral Home, 7210 Park,  Allen Park on Tuesday, November 18, from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m.