WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Dorothy J. Townsend, age 84, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly Thursday afternoon, April 19, 2012, at Sturgis Hospital.
She was born February 9, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan daughter of Fred and Alice (Nichols) Stites.
Mrs. Townsend had resided in Sturgis since 1964, coming from the Adrian area. Her early life was lived in Detroit and she was a graduate of Thomas Cooley High School in Detroit with the class of 1946. She continued her education at Eastern Michigan University and received her bachelor’s degree from Adrian College in 1959.
She retired from Sturgis Public Schools in 1992, following 28 years of dedicated teaching of fourth grade at Wall Elementary School. Prior to coming to Sturgis she had taught at Underwood School in Adrian and in a one-room school house in Blissfield.
She actively attended Community Bible Church in Sturgis.
Mrs. Townsend was a member of the Michigan Education Association, National Education Association and the Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed walking and bicycling, for many years riding her bike five miles daily. She also enjoyed traveling, especially to historical destinations. Mrs. Townsend had many interests, but she truly loved times she was surrounded by her loving family.
She is survived by three daughters, Wendy (Chris) Pangle of Howell, Alice Easterday of Sturgis and Karyn Bagwell of Norfolk, Va.; two sons, Mark (Pat) Townsend of Middlebury, Ind., and Kirk (Norma) Townsend of Three Rivers; 10 grandchildren, Matt Townsend, Kevin (Wiline) Pangle, Abbie (Bob) Mathiak, Carrie (Dustan) Ingram, Katie (Daniel) Castro, Kristi Townsend, Sue Easterday, Shawn Bagwell, Shannon Bagwell and Tyler Townsend; and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Matthew Easterday; and a brother, Russell E. Stites.
The family will receive friends from noon-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date. Pastor Steve Wisler of the Community Bible Church in Sturgis will officiate.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Townsend’s memory consider the Community Bible Church, 223 N. Maple St., Sturgis, MI 49091, or Camp Fort Hill, 310 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
