Dorothy Jean Chopp

Dorothy Chopp was a woman of such great character, great compassion, and even greater love. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend to so many. More than anything, Dorothy was a woman whose greatest love in life was for her children.

Dorothy's story began on a warm September day in 1929, a time of such tumult in this country. October of that year brought with it Black Thursday, the Stock Market crash that sent the American economy spiraling into the Great Depression, making life so difficult for so many. Yet in September, there was still hope, especially for the family of Oscar and Rosa Belle (Merwin) Reiter, who were preparing for the birth of their seventh child. On September 8, 1929, in their hometown of Marshall, Michigan, they celebrated the birth of a baby girl they named Dorothy.

Dorothy's father worked in the foundry in Kalamazoo, while her mother raised the children. Yet after the start of the Great Depression, the family began worrying deeply about their financial stability. When Dorothy was just 8 months old, her parents realized they couldn't support her properly, so they found a foster home for her through their church. Dorothy went to live with a nice retired couple, the Sauniers, who she only knew as Mom and Pop, never referring to them by anything else. The Sauniers loved her like their own, and she in turn looked at them as her true parents; visits to her birth family left her feeling like she didn't fit in or was loved.

As a child Dorothy displayed a natural aptitude for music, so the Sauniers made sure she took violin lessons, and bought her a violin of her own, which she played in the church and at school. She also learned to play the organ, which she played well her entire life.

When she was 13, the Sauniers' advancing age made it difficult to care for her, so Dorothy returned to her birth family, which was an understandably difficult adjustment. Pop Sauniers died shortly thereafter, and Mom Sauniers went away to live with relatives. Eventually Dorothy adjusted and got along with her large, new family. They moved from Marshall to Kalamazoo for a short time, before settling on a farm in nearby Mattawan. Dorothy so loved that farm, and loved being outdoors, diligently doing her chores and working with the animals, making her an animal lover her whole life.

Dorothy graduated from Mattawan High School at the age of 17, and soon met a young man named Malcolm Smith at a local roller rink. The two hit it off, and were quickly married in a simple ceremony by the Justice of the Peace. Together she and Malcolm had two children, Larry and Terrie Lynn. Her marriage to Malcolm lasted 13 years, before they divorced.

Dorothy began working at the Town and Country Grocery Store in Kalamazoo when the children were older, but more than her professional life would soon blossom for her. She began dating a former classmate named Robert Chopp, whom she became reacquainted with one day while bowling. It didn't take long for that acquaintance to become love, and the two were married on August 19, 1960 in a simple ceremony at the Justice of the Peace. Dorothy loved Robert deeply, and together they welcomed three children, Robin, Robert II and Victor.

Dorothy was the consummate mother, so loving, strong and supportive. Her family meant everything to her, perhaps because of the tumultuous childhood she endured with her own family. She always did whatever she had to do to provide for her children, and although she often had difficulty expressing her emotions, her kids never had a doubt about her love for them. The family did much together, traveling in their little pop-up camper all over Northern Michigan, and even a memorable trip to Yellowstone National Park.

Christmastime was always so special in Dorothy's home, her favorite holiday, when she decorated the house, prepared a great feast, and made sure there were plenty of gifts under the tree - even from Santa!

Dorothy continued working in the grocery business, at the Oshtemo Harding's, where she spent more than 20 years as the head cashier. When that sold, she went to work at Jewel Foods for a time, before retiring. Always a busy, active person, Dorothy didn't slow down much in retirement. She loved being outdoors, and spent many hours tending to her vegetable garden, where she produced so many wonderful treats. She canned her creations to enjoy year-round, and the summer and fall were her seasons, when the flowers were in bloom and her yard looked its best. Dorothy was a good cook, who preferred simple, wholesome foods, the meat-and-potatoes type of meals you always looked forward to. She also loved to go out to eat, as well, always at family-style restaurants.

Dorothy had many other loves, of course, from the crossword puzzles she enjoyed over her morning coffee, to the many dogs and cats that came through her life over the years. She possessed an active and intellectual mind, and had a passion for current events and politics, reading the paper and watching the news on TV every day. She also enjoyed gambling from time to time, taking trips to Las Vegas or Michigan City to play the slot machines. She was also a lifelong Christian woman, who was saved as an adult, and her faith gave her strength later in life.

Sadly, her beloved husband Robert died in 1998, and she began to have health problems, related to her emphysema. She sold her home on 4th Street, and moved in with her daughter Robin and son-in-law Philip Carpenter in Mattawan. She battled cancer into remission, as well. Yet sadly, she died July 26, 2006, of a pulmonary embolism.

Dorothy was a wonderful woman, a strong, practical and hardworking lady, who was so loyal and well-respected by those around her. She never complained about her problems, and always shouldered others' burdens gladly, with such great grace and strength. More than anything, she was a woman so devoted and proud of her family. She will be greatly missed.

Dorothy Jean Chopp age 76 died July 26, 2006 at Bronson Hospital. Learn more about Dorothy, view her Life Story film and visit with her family and friends Thursday from 4-8 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home-Betzler 6080 Stadium Dr Kalamazoo, 375-2900 where a service to celebrate her life will be held Friday at 11 AM. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert in 1998; a brother; and four sisters. Members of her family include five children: Larry Lee (Sue) Smith of Plainwell, Terrie Lynn Smith of Kalamazoo, Robin (Philip) Carpenter of Mattawan, Robert L. (Malissia) Chopp of Lawton and Victor J. (Jodi) Chopp of Lawton; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Grace Strong of Scotts; and several nieces and nephews. Please visit Dorothy's web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her Life Story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society.