Dorris Paille

Dorris Paille, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, died at home in Detroit on March 18, 2025, surrounded by loving family and friends. Born in 1936, a few minutes before her identical twin, Dianne, Dorris spent her first 22 years in Massachusetts. After graduating from Attleboro High School and Boston University, she and Dianne decided they needed some independence, and to be called by something other than "Twin." So Dorris moved to Michigan, accepting a job teaching at Lakeview Public School District in St. Clair Shores. She married and had three dearly loved children, Keith, Kevin, and Alice. Dorris earned her Master's in Counseling from Wayne State and continued her career as an elementary school counselor. She was a popular and highly valued employee of Lakeview for over 30 years. She had a mutual admiration society with the students and teachers with whom she worked. In 1991, she was selected as Macomb County Teacher of the Year. When she retired in 1999, Dorris moved to Flagstaff, AZ to be closer to her children. After her wife, Jane Cassady, retired, they traveled back and forth from Flagstaff to Detroit until health concerns brought them back home to Detroit full time.
It's difficult to overestimate Dorris' impact on others. She was loved by everyone she knew and was often described as the world's best listener. She was a beautiful soul with a transformative nature that made people want to be near her. She had a magical way with children, and sincerely loved all of the time she spent with them. She had a warm and generous heart, and a sly sense of humor. On very rare occasions, a fiery temper would emerge, and those incidents became favorite family stories, which made us all, (Dorris included), laugh every time they were told. Dorris was an ardent feminist and humanist, and past president of Macomb County NOW. She was a proud liberal Democrat who believed in Human Rights for all. One of her deepest regrets was not living to see a woman elected president. Dorris was appalled at the current political situation, but always tried to hold on to hope for the future.
Dorris profoundly loved her children, wife, family, friends, and all of the students and teachers with whom she worked. She also loved Rum Raisin ice cream, being outdoors, traveling, drumming, trees, British mysteries, Cape Cod, Donald Duck, Prosecco, the Detroit Symphony, Great Blue Herons, Native American art, and her dogs, cats, and grandpets. And, it must be emphasized; Dorris loved ice cream.
She was predeceased by her parents, Wilfrid Paille and Doris Guyot Klavon, both of Attleboro, Massachusetts, and her sister, Sandra Trammell of Florida. Remaining to cherish her memory are her loving wife of 47 years, (9 years "legally"), Jane Cassady, her daughter, Alice Cushing (Steve) of Peoria, AZ, her sons, Kevin Sesler (Michelle Napoli) of Las Vegas, NV and Keith Sesler, of Phoenix, AZ. Dorris leaves behind seven precious grandchildren, April Lundeen (Bruce), Rosemary Kabalka (Chene), Kailee Cushing (Brennen Russell), Tatum Cushing (Gary Aanenson), Bryson Cushing (Maruco), Brett Sesler, and Bethany Woody. She had four great-grandchildren: Addyson, Emmalyn, and Easton Kabalka, and Phoenix Lundeen. Dorris is also survived by her beloved twin sister, Dianne Hu of Murrysville, PA, her sisters-in-law, Diane Goss, and Terry Cassady, and brother-in-law, Jim Goss. She was very close to her nieces and nephews: Caitlin Cassady (Justin), Bryan Chase (Michelle) Mason Hu, Kim Hissick (Tom), Shari Boger (Jeff), Craig Prest (Aaron Smith), Mark Prest (Margie), Glenn Prest (Melanie), Jonathan Chase (Tiffany Knight), and Charles Goss (Christine). Devoted friends included Jan Habarth, Linda Morris, and Jack Chase.
Dorris volunteered for Hospice for many years and treasured helping people toward a good and peaceful ending. This year Hospice of Michigan returned the favor and we are very grateful to them. LaToya Anthony of Comfort Care took wonderful care of Dorris the last several months of her life.
Jane wishes to acknowledge the incredible help and love she received from her support system during Dorris' dying process: Alice, Katie, Kevin, Bryan, Michelle, Justin, Elmer, Terry, Linda, Diane, Jim, Landon, Travis, Austin, LaToya, Kim, Jan, Paula and others.
A Memorial Service will be held on June 8; Visitation at 1 PM, Service at 2 PM at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (4 blks. E. of Woodward), Royal Oak, MI 48067.
Dorris' favorite organization was Planned Parenthood, but any memorial, (in lieu of flowers), to an organization supporting underserved persons, human rights, or animals would be appreciated by our Dorris.
Dorris would want all of her circle to know they were greatly loved, and that she would wish peace to all beings.