Dorothy Thatcher

Obituary of Dorothy J. Thatcher

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Dorothy J. “Butch” Thatcher, 73, of Mishawaka, formerly of Buchanan and Niles, passed away surrounded by her family and friends on Thursday, October 18, 2018.

 

Butch was born on October 26, 1944 to James and Dorothy (Zinc) Brechenser in Dowagiac, MI.

 

Butch graduated from Dowagiac High School and from Ferries State University in 1968 with a degree in pharmacy. She was a registered pharmacist for more than 40 years working through the South Bend and Niles area.

 

On June 28, 1968 Butch wed the love of her life, Jack B. Thatcher in Big Rapids, MI.  Butch and Jack purchased Drolet Pharmacy in 1971 and, together ran Thatcher Pharmacy for more than 25 years.

 

Butch was an active member of Saint Mary’s Church (Niles, MI) parish for many years serving as room mother at school, on parish councils, and always ready with a fresh baked pie or brownies when called on. She and Jack loved their visits “Up North” in Michigan, trips to Chicago, Charleston, S.C. and other locations. Over the years, Butch enjoyed many arts and crafts, shopping, and a good glass of wine, Butch loved all her many dogs over the years and took great pride in caring for her home, yard, family and friends. She was known to be generous and often made anonymous donations to someone that needed help.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack in 2007; and a sister, Kristen Cox in 1996.

 

Butch is survived by her daughter Melissa (Christopher) Pitt of Mishawaka, IN; son, Andrew “Andy” (Shannon) Thatcher of San Antonio, Texas; grandsons,  Jack A. Thatcher, Michael Thatcher and Owen Pitt; and a sister, Jamie Dirksen of West Lafayette, IN.

 

Butch’s family would like to express their sincerest thanks for the blessing of many exceptional people who provided care and support to Butch and her family including: Dr. Alice Isaacson, Dr. Rashid Khan and the staff at Michiana Hematology Oncology, Dr. Samer Hassna and the nursing staff and Saint Joseph Medical Center, and Debra and the nurses and aides at Sprenger Healthcare.

 

A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 24th from 5- 7 pm at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Niles. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, October 25th  at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 11 am.

 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Butch’s memory to the Brian Parker Foundation; 2469 Lone Elm Street, Niles, MI 49120 or the Jack Thatcher Memorial Scholarship Fund, Lakeland Health Foundation, 31 N. St. Joseph Ave., Niles, MI 49120

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Wednesday
24
October

Visitation

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services
521 E. Main St.
Niles, Michigan, United States
(269) 683-1155
Visitation
Thursday
25
October

Funeral Mass

11:00 am
Thursday, October 25, 2018
St Mary Catholic Church
219 S. State Street
Niles, Michigan, United States
269-683-5087
Funeral Mass
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Dorothy Thatcher

In Loving Memory

Dorothy Thatcher

1944 - 2018

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