Dorothy Francis Snow Karpenske

Dorothy Francis Snow Karpenske, 83, of Fountain, Michigan, formerly of Chicago, Illinois, died at home on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born 11 March 1943 in Victoria, Arkansas, the daughter of Ezra and Ruby (Clark) Snow. Those who knew her said she had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard and deeply loved. She welcomed people to her table; there was always room for one more, and her door and her heart were always open.

Dorothy loved God deeply and lived her faith in how she cared for others. She had a gift for calming hearts simply by being near. She dearly loved her husband Gene, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage: a testament, her family wrote, to love, commitment and devotion. She was a loving mother and grandmother who treasured family time and the ordinary days that became lasting memories. Her children Melody, Roxann, Gene and Felicia, their spouses, and a wide circle of grandchildren and great-grandchildren stood at the centre of her life.

She found joy in simple and beautiful things: gardening, sewing, crafting, photographing nature and cooking for people she loved. She never saw a rock she did not need to take home. Her smile could light a room, and her laugh was infectious. She taught those around her to love big, laugh often, notice beauty, and sprinkle love into every meal and every moment. Relatives recalled a hospitality that made guests feel instantly at home, whether in the Chicago years or later in Fountain.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Gene Karpenske; children Melody (Mike) DiGiovanni, Roxann (Bill) Cole, Gene Karpenski and Felicia (Andy Johnson) Karpenski; eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild expected; sisters Mickey (Ricky) Kunz and Mary Riis; and many nieces and nephews. Her life, as her family wrote through Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, was a gift whose faith, kindness, laughter and unconditional love continue in everyone she touched. Friends farther away may read that Beacon notice and light a candle here so that her welcome table and open heart are not forgotten.