Dorothy Glass

It is true that big things come in small packages. Even though Dorothy “Dort” Glass was small in stature, she had the biggest heart, full of love for her family, and enjoyed life. She was a fun loving woman who had a character all her own. There will never be anyone quite like Dort, and she leaves behind a legacy of love for her family, and all those that knew her, to cherish.

Marked by a time of prosperity in America, 1927 was a year filled with excitement as tunes played on the radio such as Gershwin’s “Strike Up the Band” and “Old Man River”, to the likes of Irving Berlin and Duke Ellington. News of the day was the hero’s welcome given to Charles Lindbergh following his historic transatlantic solo flight. However, Bernard and Frances Noel, a young couple in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, had their own exciting news, when they welcomed the birth of a daughter they named, Dorothy, born on February 12, 1927.

Dorothy, or Dort, as she was often called, was the younger sister to two older brothers, and was later joined by yet another brother. Her father worked at the General Motors 36th Street plant to support his growing family, while her mother stayed home to look after the children, and tend to the house. The family made their home in Wyoming, a suburb of Grand Rapids, where Dort and her brothers attended Holy Name Elementary School. The family were devout members of the Catholic faith, and it was rare, if any, for Dort to ever miss a Sunday Mass in her life. She had a pretty typical childhood growing up, and learned to hold her own with three brothers in the family. As the economy worsened with the onset of The Great Depression, economic struggles were commonplace for most American families. Dort knew the value of hard work, and worked throughout her high school years.

A likeable, all around girl, Dort was very social, and loved being with friends. She also loved to dance, and did quite well at the jitterbug. While a freshman at Catholic Central High School, she met a handsome senior from Union High School named, Robert “Bob” Glass. The two became quite taken with each other, and began dating. They spent their summer days together, enjoying the beach in Grand Haven, spending time with friends, or going out dancing. Bob entered the Navy in 1943 their love was shared through letters until he returned. Dort graduated from Catholic Central in 1945, while she and Bob continued their dating relationship. On June 18, 1949, the two were finally joined in marriage, and on Bob‘s birthday, at Holy Name Catholic Church.

The newlyweds lived with Bob’s parents until they were able to get a place of their own. As the years passed quickly by, after they had purchased their own home, and were enjoying married life together, Dort and Bob realized that something was missing in their lives. They longed to have a family, and after some time, they were blessed with two wonderful sons. Shawn, born in 1962, and Todd, born in 1964, were welcomed by Dort and Bob, with loving and open arms. With their adopted baby boys, their family, and lives, were now truly complete.

Although small in stature, Dort ruled the roost, and ran the household. She was a very attentive, caring, and loving mother, but the children always knew when she meant business. Bob worked hard, and was a wonderful provider for his family. He eventually formed Glass Equipment, a trucking equipment business. Dort spent her time looking after the boys, running them back and forth to school, as well as their various activities. Having always had a love for animals, Dort especially loved dogs. All animals seemed to flock to her, and her sons said it was because she carried around treats all the time. She was also a great cook, and was known for her delicious spaghetti, and scrumptious mini cheesecakes. Her Catholic faith and heritage in the church was very important to Dort. The family were faithful members of their parish, St. James Catholic Church, and attended Mass each and every weekend.

Bob and Dort built a cottage on Hess Lake for their family to enjoy, where cherished memories were formed. In fact, the family would spend most of their vacations at the cottage. During the summer months, when the boys were not in school, they spent all summer up at the lake, and it was well worth Bob’s commute to work each day. The time spent around the evening campfires, swimming in the lake, and cottage cookouts, will be forever etched in priceless memories.

Dort was at ease with herself, and not afraid to speak her mind. And if she needed to get her point across, all it took was for her to raise her voice, and everyone knew she was serious! She was great in social situations, and could often make herself feel comfortable, almost anywhere. She had a great sense of humor, and throughout the years, she and Bob socialized with a tight group of friends. The families spent much time together, enjoying potlucks, playing cards, or just plain socializing, while their children played together. Dort and Bob also had the opportunity to take several trips to Las Vegas, and even enjoyed a cruise or two over the years.

Dort had a sweet tooth. At just 5’3”, and a mere 100 pounds, it was amazing that she didn’t weigh more. She absolutely LOVED butter pecan ice cream, and also had a fondness for her favorite, Fricano’s cheese pizza. Dort was content to have a Kool cigarette in one hand, while in the other, was a glass of Bud Light beer. She always drank beer in a glass, because in her eyes, a lady never drank beer out of the bottle! Quite simply, Dort was a character, and was willing to try anything. She even took a trip on Shawn’s Harley to the beach one time! She was easy to warm up to, and many kids affectionately regarded her as “mom” or “grandma”. When her grandchildren came along, she was in her element. She was very devoted to them, and to her great-grandchildren, as well. She became quite involved in their daily lives and activities, having even provided loving daycare for some of them. And true to her nature, Dort taught them how to play a good game of poker!

When Dort’s beloved Bob died in 1985, she found many things to keep herself active and busy. She spent much time enjoying her family, and took Adult Education classes along with some friends on Wednesday nights. Later in life, she also enjoyed the art of ceramics, where she created, fired, and glazed all her own pieces. In the 1990s, Dort went on a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, to celebrate Mardi Gras, where she fell and broke her hip. But she looked on the bright side, and said “it wasn’t because of the Pat O’Brien Hurricane she just drank!”

Most recently, Dort lived with her son, Shawn, and his family. This past August, it was clear that she required more care, and moved to Stonebridge Manor. Sadly, within this last week, Dort was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a very rare, fatal brain disorder. Statistics show that it affects one in every million people. The disease progressed rapidly, and at the age of 81, Dorothy died on Thursday, January 8, 2009.

Dorothy’s heart was full of love for her family, and proved that big things often do come in small packages. She lived life to the fullest, and had a character all her own. She leaves behind a loving legacy for her family to cherish, and to all those who were blessed to have known her.

Dorothy is survived by her sons, Shawn (Alyssa) Glass, and Todd (Taylor) Glass; grandchildren, Steve, Rachael (Brandon), Kyle, Conner, and Cody; great-grandchildren, Brett and Lucas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 12, 2009 at St. James Catholic Church. Friends may meet the family on Sunday from 3-6 PM, with a Rosary at 6:00 PM, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Memorial contributions may be made to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation or St. James Catholic Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to view Dorothy’s Life Story, archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook if you are unable to attend.