Dorothy Marie Burch's Obituary
Dorothy Marie Burch, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on February 22, 1936, in Heron Lake, Minnesota, to Glenn and Agnes (Sieve) Buckeye, Dorothy was the eldest of seven children. She cherished her family deeply and looked forward each year to visiting her siblings, who held a special place in her heart.
Dorothy met her husband, Edward Stuart Burch, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on a blind date. Six months later, on January 19, 1963, they married and began a beautiful life together. Their devotion to each other continued for decades, raising seven children: Mark (Maria) Burch, Theodore (Alison) Burch, Joseph (Deana) Burch, Thomas (Ann) Burch, Jeanne (Andy) Cook, Margaret (Jason) Bomia, and Charles (Diana) Burch. Dorothy took tremendous joy in her growing family, which today includes 26 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Dorothy and Ed settled in Big Rapids, Michigan, where they grew their family and faith community. A lifelong Catholic, Dorothy was a dedicated parishioner of St. Mary Catholic Church. She often said she “was born to be Catholic” and lived that truth every day—reciting her daily Rosary, volunteering through the PCCW, and serving on numerous church committees. Her favorite reminders to others were, “Your reward will be in heaven,” and “God will not be outdone in generosity.”
Dorothy began her 55-year career as an RN in 1956 after graduating from the St. Cloud Hospital School of Nursing in St. Cloud, MN. After moving to Big Rapids in 1967, her career included stints at Big Rapids Hospital, Stanwood Hospital, and Intersect (formerly Metron/Green Ridge) Nursing Home. Her compassion, faith, and warmth touched countless lives both inside and outside her work.
Dorothy’s spirit shone through her many hobbies—reading, crocheting, solving crossword puzzles, gardening, quilting, and reciting poetry. Her love of literature, artistry, and faith were gifts she passed to her children and grandchildren. She also found joy in giving back to her community as a Cub Scout den leader, library and school volunteer, and active participant in local civic committees and investment clubs.
She and Ed shared a love of travel, exploring the country to visit family and friends. They enjoyed memorable adventures throughout Alaska, the American west, Myrtle Beach, and Prince Edward Island. Dorothy also traveled to Europe, and each summer included a trip back to the family farm in Minnesota.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward; her sister, Barbara Chepa; and her brother, Ronald Buckeye. She will be remembered for her strength, grace, humor, and unwavering faith. Her example continues to light the way for all whose lives she touched.
The family would like to thank the Evergreen Terrace staff for their compassionate and loving care of Dorothy while she was a resident there.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids, with Father Jegar Fickel as celebrant.
Dorothy’s family will greet friends on Monday, January 26, from 4-6 p.m., at the church, and again on Tuesday beginning at 10:00am. The Muskegon Area Nurse Honor Guard will conduct a brief service at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, followed by a Rosary at 6:15 p.m. Rite of Committal will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic School, 927 Marion Ave, Big Rapids MI 49307. Care and arrangements are entrusted to Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home in Big Rapids.
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