Dorothy R. Poland

Dorothy R. Poland, age 61, of Oscoda, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.
She was born on Sept. 12, 1964 in San Antonio, Texas to Richard and Linda Ware (Stough). Growing up in a military family, Dorothy lived many locations in the United States including Hawaii. She arrived in Oscoda for her high school years and graduated from OAS in 1983.
Dorothy married her soulmate, Mark Poland, on Dec. 14, 1985 in Oscoda. She stayed home to help raise their three children before beginning her career at Oscoda Area Schools.
Dorothy was a cherished member of the Oscoda Area School family. After 30 years, she retired in 2024 after unselfishly pouring her heart and soul into the children she encountered so she could focus on her grandchildren.
Her warmth, compassion, and commitment to the well-being of all touched the lives of many. Dorothy represented what it means to serve in everything she did, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of meeting her. She was a member of the Oscoda American Legion Auxiliary and she also served as the President of the Oscoda Secretary Association.
Dorothy enjoyed traveling, boating, attending concerts, broadway shows and most especially spending time with her grandchildren and attending all their events she possibly could.
She is survived by her husband, Mark Poland of Oscoda; three children, daughter, Allison (Chris) Kava of Livonia, son, Adam (Krystin) Poland of Oscoda, and son, Alan Poland of Grand Rapids; her beloved grandchildren, Clara, Cameron, Natalie, Megyn; father, Richard Ware of Oscoda; mother, Linda Ware of Tawas City; sister, Lisa Oetman of Allegan; and her furbabies, Sophie and Lucy.
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. (gathering beginning at 1 p.m.) at the Oscoda American Legion. Memorials may be directed to the Oscoda Education Opportunity Foundation, P.O. Box 618, Oscoda, MI 48750 and you may offer condolences at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.