Dorothy Francis Thome (Norkus)

THOME, DOROTHY FRANCIS (NORKUS) of Grand Rapids MI peacefully completed her life, at her daughter’s home where she was residing for the last 5 months, on December 5th, 2024. She was born on August 26, 1927, and in 1949 she married the love of her life, the boy across the street, Dick Thome. They were happily married for 69 years, until his death in 2018. They raised two children, their son David, and Daughter Judy. She was the daughter of Petronella and Peter Norkus, where she grew up on the West side of Grand Rapids with her sister Patricia (DeSmit). Dorothy is survived by her daughter Judy Thome of Rockford, Mi; She was a loving grandmother (Mimi) to her six grandchildren, who were very important to her. Dana (Gary) Curtiss, Kyle Thome, Molly (Troy) VandenBosch, Patrick (Allison) O’Hara, Megan (Brian) Lowell, and Micaela (Jasen) Seif. She also had 12 great grand children who were lucky enough to be very involved in her life. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Jerry Thome, and a dear friend and neighbor Shelly Debree, who had a watchful eye on her as well as her birds. She graduated from Catholic Central, where she later worked at Booth Dairy, and a Ford Dealership. When married she was lucky enough to stay home with her two children. She was a member of the Junior Diet Kitchen Guild, Mary Catherine Guild, and was a volunteer at Butterworth Hospital Café. She enjoyed golfing at Blythefield Country Club, as well as Panther Woods Country Club, near Vero Beach Florida, where they would reside for the winters at their condo. Dorothy loved reading and doing crossword puzzles. She enjoyed being in the kitchen cooking and baking for her family, as well as others. Dorothy was an avid bridge player and made many friends in the different groups she played in. Dorothy was also very involved in the church of St. Jude Parish, where she would help count the offertory collection. As per her wishes, cremation has taken place, and she will be buried at Saints Peter and Paul Lithuanian Catholic Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband Dick Thome, her parents, Pat and Peter Norkus, sister Pat Desmit, and son David Thome. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, December 13th at St. Jude Parsh, 1120 4 Mile Rd. A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30am, followed by visitation 10:00am-11:00am, and with Mass at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name can be made to St. Jude Parish 1120 4 Mile Rd NE Grand Rapids MI, 49525.

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Dorothy Francis Thome (Norkus)

August 26, 1927 - December 5, 2024