Dorothy J. Sutherland

Sutherland, Dorothy "Dotty"; a long-time resident of the Lake Orion area, passed to her reward with her Lord on Wednesday, July 2 following a devastating stroke after several weeks of hospitalization for other ailments. Dotty was born on July 20, 1944 and grew up in Washington Township, later attending Romeo secondary schools and graduation from Romeo High School in 1962. She graduated from MSU in 1966 with a degree in Special Education and lovingly taught special needs children in several area districts, retiring from Almont Schools in 2009. Dotty was an avid gardener, tending to the many perennial flowers in the gardens of her vintage home in the Village overlooking Lake Orion. She also has a reputation as a great cook. Dotty and her husband, Jeff, are the proud parents of Michael and Jennifer. Mike and his wife Lisa reside in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with granddaughters Rowan (3 1/2) and Ivy (1 1/2). Jenn and her husband Mark Germain live in Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan. Dotty is a devoted and active member of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Lake Orion. Dotty is also survived by her loving siblings Carolyn Smith of Romeo, Edward Hewelt (Barbara) of Arlington, Texas, and Ronald Hewelt, as well as several nieces, nephews, and their families. Memorial gifts are requested for King of Kings Lutheran Church or the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Services will be directed by Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home at 111 East Flint Street, Lake Orion, MI 48362 with viewing at 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 5. Funeral service will be conducted on Sunday, July 6 at 2 pm, King of Kings Lutheran Church at 1715 S. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion, MI 48360.