Dorothea J. Hay

Dorothea J. Hay, age 92, of Hartland, formerly of Northville, passed away on July 2, 2026. Born on August 1, 1933, in West Allis, Wisconsin, Dorothea was the daughter of Emil and Irma (Schloerke) Schwebke. She was one of ten children, the fifth in birth order, and one of two siblings who were deaf. Dorothea graduated from the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan, Wisconsin, as a member of the Class of 1951. She was united in marriage to Robert J. Hay on August 1, 1954; they spent 62 years lovingly devoted to one another until his death on August 13, 2016.

Dorothea was a devoted homemaker who dedicated her life to caring for her family and creating a warm, loving home. She raised her six sons in Northville, taking great pride in keeping an orderly household and preparing dinner for her family each evening. As her boys grew older, Dorothea entered the workforce as a laundress at the Holiday Inn in Farmington, where she worked for more than ten years. She appreciated the opportunity to earn her own income while continuing to care for those she loved.

A devoted and faithful Christian, she attended Our Savior Lutheran Church for the Deaf in her younger years before becoming an active member of Lighthouse Chapel of the Deaf in Flint, where she worshiped faithfully for more than 20 years. Her enduring faith provided her with strength, comfort, and a deep sense of community throughout her life. For more than 30 years, Dorothea looked forward to spending a week each August at the Christian retreat held at Bambi Lake in Roscommon, Michigan. It was one of her greatest joys and she faithfully attended each summer, making treasured memories, and was grateful to participate in her final retreat in August 2025.

Dorothea expressed her creativity in many ways. She enjoyed cross-stitching, often creating pieces with religious themes, many of which were beautifully framed and matted. She was also a talented painter, and each Christmas she delighted family and friends by painting an elaborate holiday scene on the windows of her home. Inspired by a cherished Christmas card from years past, the scene became an annual tradition and reflected her deep love for the Christmas season. Her home was always warmly decorated for the holidays, complete with a model train circling the Christmas tree. An accomplished cook and baker, Dorothea found great joy in preparing meals and treats for those she loved. Her homemade pizza was a family favorite, and each Christmas she baked large batches of cookies and cakes, carefully freezing them so her family could enjoy them throughout the year.

Dorothea embraced life with an adventurous spirit and was never afraid to try something new. She loved the excitement of riding roller coasters at Cedar Point and continued riding her bicycle well into her 60s. She also had a competitive side and enjoyed countless card games with her family, especially Uno, Kings in the Corner, and Skip-Bo. When she wasn't spending time with loved ones, Dorothea found quiet enjoyment in completing jigsaw puzzles. She had a special affection for cats, particularly her beloved companion, Minnie, who adored her and rarely left her side. Dorothea was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, love, and family will continue to live on in the hearts of those blessed to have known her.

Dorothea is survived by her loving sons, William (Jason) Hay-Southwell, Nathaniel (Jo) Hay, Jonathan (Elizabeth) Hay, Timothy (Li) Hay, and Alexander Hay; her grandchildren, Daniel (Abby) Hay, Taylor Hay, Erin Hay, Kendra Hay, Cody (Sarah) Higgins, Rachel (Ray Malia) Helgren, and Zachary (Anna) Hay; her great grandchildren, Lexi, Hailey, Holden, Charlie, Beau, Jeremiah, Jesse, Blues, Echo, Harlequin, Emily, Kylie, and Riley; and her siblings, Marlene (Tom) Domagalski and Michael (Julie) Schwebke. She was preceded in death by her husband; her son, Fred Hay; her parents; and 7 siblings.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Deaf and Hearing Impaired Services, Inc., 25882 Orchard Lake, Ste. 100, Farmington Hills, MI 48336.