Dorothy Marie Hering

Dorothy Marie (Szczawinski) Hering, age 90, passed away peacefully at her home on March 17th, surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous battle with leukemia. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, March 31, 2025 at the Chapel of the Holy Innocents at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (The service will be live streamed and can be viewed via Dorothy's obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com). Fr. Robert Copeland celebrant. Visitation will be held at the church 10:00 AM Monday, March 31, 2025 until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Adopt-A-Pet, 13575 Fenton Road, Fenton, MI 48430.

Dorothy was born July 12th, 1934 in Hamtramck Michigan, and was the youngest of four children. Her parents, Walter and Jane Szczawinski, were Polish immigrants who instilled a deep Catholic faith in her. Throughout her early life, Dorothy enjoyed her mother’s Polish cooking, spending time with her older sisters whom she looked up to, and dancing on the weekends. Dorothy spent much of her life volunteering for our military members, who included her brother, and husband. Her compassionate nature led her to work for Henry Ford Hospital as an assistant in oral surgery until she retired in 1960.

Dorothy met her husband, Raymond Hering, at the age of 21, shortly before he joined the Air Force. The two communicated through letters for four years before getting married on September 7th, 1959, at the age of 25. Dorothy described their relationship as “love at first sight” knowing she would marry him the moment they met. Throughout her life, Dorothy emphasized that their marriage was “the best choice she ever made”.

Dorothy and Ray built their first home in Roseville, Michigan, and lived there for 14 years before moving to Fenton, Michigan. They raised their 3 children together, Laura, Mark, and Craig, before Ray passed away in 2004 at the age of 69. Dorothy remained strong and independent in the years following his death, taking care of their home by herself until the day she passed. She overcame her hardships with grace, never losing her compassion, faith, and quick-witted sense of humor. She will be remembered for her resilience and as the matriarch of her family.

Dorothy reiterated that she had little regret in her life, and that her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. She asked God for the privilege to watch over them all. Dorothy is survived by her daughter Laura, two sons Mark (Elizabeth) Hering, and Craig (Cynthia) Hering; 5 grandchildren, Josh (Lisa) Birmingham, Alex Hamilton, Hans (Georgi) Hering, Erica Hering, Heidi Hering; 4 great-grandchildren Alexis Zapalski, Branden Zapalski, Harrison Birmingham, and Anna Grace Birmingham; Many nieces and nephews, her dear friend Karan, and caregiver Diana. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ray, brother Casemeer, two sisters Eleanore and Angeline, and grandson Evan.

“The family would like to thank the University of Michigan Leukemia Cancer Center for their overall excellence, Dianna Anderson with Second To Family Home Care, and The Care Team Hospice.” Dorothy often reminded her family and friends of her favorite quote, which reads: “When you were born, you cried and your family rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice in the presence of the Lord”

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com