Dorothy Ann Verdonk

"Good morning, dear Lord."

Dorothy Ann "Dot" Verdonk spoke those words many times as she drove past St. Basil Catholic Church in South Haven, Michigan, or looked out the kitchen window toward the statue of the Blessed Mother she kept in the back yard, surrounded by flowers. The words were often accompanied by a subtle wave and a fond smile, as though she were greeting an old friend.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life until the moment on Sunday, April 19, 2015 when she passed from this life, to life eternal. She was 87. Dorothy reveled in the lives of her family members and cherished time spent with friends. She loved all who were dear to her with a love that was rooted in the selfless example set by Christ. That example was present in her life from an early age. She was born to devout Catholic parents, Charles and Mary Harris, on June 2, 1927 in Miami, Florida. As the second of eight children, she spent much of her youth helping to care for her siblings during the Great Depression and World War II.

After graduating from Jesuit High School in Miami in 1945, she worked various jobs until 1947 when she was offered employment at a summer resort in South Haven. There, she met William J. Verdonk. They were married January 24, 1948 in The Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame and spent 64 years together as husband and wife and raised two sons. Dorothy was a skilled golfer and formidable bridge player who enjoyed good conversation over a good cup of coffee. She served as President of the St .Basil Catholic School Board and was a member of the Altar Rosary Society.

Dorothy is survived by her two sons, Christopher (Sylvia) Verdonk and Michael (Karen) Verdonk, five grand children, Jenna (Brian) Verdonk-Kietzerow, Matthew, Jordan, Emily and Edward Verdonk, and five great grandchildren, Connor, Ethan, Aidan, Elijah and Savannah. She is also survived by her brother, Francis Harris, her sister, Lillian Dickinson, two nephews, John (Lois) Verdonk and Bill (Susan) Verdonk, and two nieces, Mary Thompson and Margaret (Bruce) Moran.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, four brothers, Charles, Jimmy, Eugene and Richard , and a sister Mary Gentile.

Dorothy's faith and love have created lasting impressions and cherished memories for those who knew her and loved her.

Visitation will be held at Filbrandt Family Funeral Home on Thursday, April 23, 2015 from 5:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., with a Rosary beginning at 7:30 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 24 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Basil Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to the St. Basil Endowment Fund or the Restore the Glory campaign.