Dolores Verburg, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025 in Traverse City, MI at the age of 91. Born December 12, 1933, she spent nearly a century shaping the lives of those around her with love.

Dolores grew up in Comstock and Cassopolis, MI. She joined her family working in the floral business, where she learned about book keeping. Continuing her career through roles in banking and manufacturing, she had a sharp mind for business.

Dolores raised her children, Norman, Leroy, Paula, and Wayne in Jones, MI. She was proud of her children and her family was extremely important to her.

Dolores moved for a brief time to Idaho to be near family but often joked that the mountains were not her style and so she returned to southwest Michigan, settling in the Marcellus area before moving to Traverse City 25 years ago.

Independence was a hallmark of Dolores’s character. She took pride in caring for herself and maintaining her home. Dolores was creative and many who love her have a blanket, or hat, or scarf that she crocheted for them. She enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, and knitting. Cooking was also a passion and she was often known for bringing the pies to gatherings. Sharing her love through food with her family and friends was very important to her.

Dolores is survived by her son’s Norman Bistodeau (Andrew Mitchell) and Leroy Bistodeau; daughter Paula Rumsey, Daughter in law Sharon Bistodeau; Grandchildren- Adam, Heather, Anna, Julia, Sara, Justin, and Jamie; and several great-grandchildren that she loved. She now reunites with her parents Cornelius and Musette Belle (Parker) Verburg and her youngest son Wayne Bistodeau.

A private burial will be held and a memorial service will take place in the spring to celebrate her life with those she loved.

Those who wish to honor Dolores’s memory may make donations to your local PBS Station.