Dorothy M. (Gascon) LaFave

She was born in Escanaba on August 12, 1936, daughter of Edward and Helen (Carignan) Gascon. Dorothy attended grade school at Nadon in Flat Rock and high school in Escanaba, graduating in 1954. She was a lifelong resident of this area.

Dorothy was employed as a desk clerk/telephone operator with the House of Ludington and then later worked at Red Owl Grocery Stores.

Soon after she was introduced to Joe LaFave by her brother Jack, he immediately became a guy that she knew she would want in her life. They dated for a year and during that time they decided to marry. On October 19, 1957 they were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Schaffer. They both knew they wanted to start their family soon after their marriage and on December 2, 1958 their son, Jeffrey Joseph was welcomed into their world. In the following years, they were blessed with Daniel Thomas, David Edward, and only daughter, Catherine Ann.

When the Red Owl Store reopened in the new Delta Plaza, she went back to work and enjoyed her years spent there. She retired in 1993 after working at other jobs in Escanaba.

Dorothy loved trying new recipes and became an amazing cook. She loved baking bread for family and friends. She also enjoyed watercolor painting and gave most away to family. Evenings were spent reading historical novels, working puzzles, and she loved to play cards with family and friends. She was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and enjoyed watching the games.

Her undying faith was a big part of her life as she was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Church. She was very proud of her family and even prouder of her “grands”. She cherished times with them all. Family was everything to her. Since she loved basketball, she was excited when her granddaughter, Michelle was excelling in that sport. Dorothy rarely missed game night at EHS and enjoyed attending all of her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Among survivors are the love of her life and husband, Joe; sons, Jeffrey Joseph (Karen) of Escanaba; Daniel Thomas of Whitmore Lake, Mich., and David Edward of Escanaba; daughter, Catherine Ann Taylor (Mike VanDerBos) of Vicksburg, Mich.; grandchildren, Kimberly L. (Josh) LaBonte, Stephanie M. (Ben) Radue, Jason T. LaFave (Johnny Petoskey), Sydney A. Taylor, Zachary D. LaFave, Michelle L. LaFave, Kaitlyn E. LaFave, Ashley N. Taylor, and Connor L. LaFave; great-grandchildren, Lyndis Radue, and Braelyn and Easton LaBonte; and sister-in-law, Cookie Gascon; special friend, Leah Halfpap; and several nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Helen Gascon; brothers, Jack (Rita) and Jim (MaryAnne) Gascon; and sister, Jean “Betty” Lehouillier.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon at St. Thomas the Apostle Church with Rev. Rick Courier officiating. A meal will immediately follow in the church hall of St. Anthony’s Church in Wells. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Holy Name Catholic School, 409 S. 22nd Street., Escanaba, MI 49829. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.