Dorothy Marie Pahssen

Dorothy Marie (Rogner) Pahssen, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother (Grandma Dot), great-grandmother (GIGI), and recent great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully the morning of 8/18/2024, one month before her 97h birthday, of Alzheimer's dementia. Dorothy was born 9/18/1927 in Saginaw, Michigan, the first child of the late Otto and Hilda (Schwab) Rogner. She was followed by one brother, Harvey Rogner, born in 1931, who predeceased her in 2017. Dorothy graduated from Saginaw High School where she was a member of the Pep Squad. While in her junior year, she met the love of her life, Harry Pahssen, at a local dance. After her graduation from school and his discharge from the Navy, they married 5/10/1947 and remained together for over 58 years until his death in 2005. They had nine children: Paul and the late Janet Pahssen (Grayling, MI), Ann & Thomas Weideman (Saginaw, MI), Rita Dickson (Reno, NV), Laura Mazany (Saginaw, MI), Joan Harris (Delray Beach, FL), Harry & Sandra Pahssen (Phoenix, AZ), Nora & Mark Bailey (Scottsdale, AZ), Marc & Jennifer Pahssen (Davisburg, MI), and Baby Gail Pahssen, who predeceased them in 1958 at just two days old. Dorothy is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Betty Lou Berg, a brother-in-law, Harold (Butch) Boehler, and generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was also preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law, Henry and Theresa Pahssen, three sisters-in-law (Judith Rogner, Doreen (Pahssen) McDonald, Virginia (Pahssen) Boehler), and three brothers-in-law (Leon Pahssen, Cecil Berg, Daniel McDonald).

Dorothy was first and foremost a devoted wife and mother, always placing the needs of her husband and children before her own. Her entire life centered around family. She especially enjoyed holiday and birthday gatherings as it would bring everyone she loved together for good food and card games, her favorite being pinochle. Dorothy was a skilled seamstress, making clothes for herself and her children when they were young, as well as tiny little outfits for her girls' Barbie dolls. After most of her children were grown, Dorothy went to work in the Personnel Department of Second National Bank, where she made many new friends. After her retirement, she and her husband enjoyed traveling around the country, making it all the way to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary. Dorothy also traveled to visit her daughters in Alaska. After her husband died and her brother's wife died, they lived side by side in a duplex for 11 years, looking after each other and keeping each other company, making multiple trips to Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, where many of her children would join her for "Family Week" to celebrate her birthdays, taking in shows, gambling, and enjoying family meals. Dorothy was always the heart of her family but became ever more the matriarch as the years passed and the generations grew. She was playful and fun loving, enjoyed music, especially Tony Bennett and Celine Dion, had a passion for all things Elvis, and was a big fan of "Everybody Loves Raymond". She was a longtime and faithful member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. She was a tireless caregiver to her mother, husband, and then brother when they fell ill and needed help. After her dementia diagnosis in early 2022, she remained comfortable in her home with the help of her daughters until her needs became too great and she was moved to Brookdale Senior Living in April 2024, where she remained until her death. The family would like to thank the staff of Covenant VNA Hospice and Brookdale Senior Living for Dorothy's care. 

Honoring Dorothy's wishes, a prayer service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Burial will take place at St. Andrew Cemetery the following day. Extended family and friends are welcome to visit with the immediate family at the funeral chapel on Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church or the Alzheimer's Association. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.