Dolores Marie LaFave

July 21, 1938 - September 22, 2019

Dolores Marie LaFave, loving family woman and gifted seamstress, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, September 22, 2019 at the age of 81 after a long illness. Dolores lived in Fowler, and formerly Potterville and Bay City, MI, the daughter of Edna (Paul) and Emmett McIllaney, she was born July 21, 1938 in Essexville, Michigan. Dolores worked for Carl’s Supermarket in Potterville and Target in Battle Creek. She was a gifted seamstress, sewing love into everything she created. Handmade quilts and Christmas stockings were treasured gifts she bestowed on her family and they all hold dear. Dolores lived her faith and showed an unending love to her family and friends. Welcoming all into her home, she was known by many people as “Mom.” Her grandchildren brought her the greatest joy. “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” — Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Dolores is survived by her son, Scott and daughter-in-law Cindy LaFave of Lake, MI; daughters, Denise LaFave Smith and son-in-law George Smith of Lansing, MI, Carrie and son-in-law Dan Gahagan of Woodbridge, VA, Shawn and son-in-law Brett Smith of Fowler; grandchildren: Heather Nostrant; Holly Smith; Danielle Dahlgren; Jake (Leah) LaFave, Matthew LaFave, Christine (James) Maxted, Anna Gahagan, Michelle (Ryan) Mahoney; Brette Smith, Brayden Smith, Brenden Smith, and Emma Smith; great-grandchildren, Austin and Dalton Smith, Curyn and Carter Nostrant, and Cecilia Laird. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 50 years, Leon, in 2007. Visitation will be held at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan on Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler with Father Dennis Howard officiating. Interment will follow services and luncheon at Deepdale Memorial Park in Lansing, Michigan. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Sparrow Home Hospice. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Online condolences and memories of Dolores may be sent to the family at www.prayfuneral.com.