Dorothy Dolores Wykowski

Dorothy Wykowski (nee Rzepka) died Friday, January 12th 2024, at 94 years of age. She was born in Detroit on December 29, 1929 to Angeline and Michael Rzepka. A no-nonsense woman of boundless energy, bubbling positivity, and great faith, Dorothy was always ready for a game, a meal, an outing, or a party. She could conjure something to eat from an empty refrigerator; coax annuals in flower pots to return to bloom as perennials; diagnose any common ailment, and prescribe a soup or restorative (whisky or vodka shot) to make you feel better. Joy was found in simple pleasures – among these: seashells, roses, gardens, ladybugs, card games, lottery scratch-offs and bingo – shared with family, friends, and neighbors. Able to find a use for almost anything, Dorothy was resourceful, hard-working and devoted to those in her life. She was a generous and nurturing example of grace and living well. Animals loved her, and she never understood why. Her laughter rings in our ears and hearts. When some in the family were curious about her kitchen magic – specifically, how to make pierogi – Dorothy took them on a journey that has spiraled into an annual tradition. Several ‘pierogi parties’ would take place across southeastern Michigan every December with Dorothy as the inexhaustible shop manager, supervising all stages of production. Asked one year how many pierogi she thought she had made, she answered, “I don’t know. Tens of thousands?” This was not the only treasured piece of her Polish heritage she shared – rousing choruses of ‘Sto lat” are sung at every birthday. Dorothy is survived by her daughter Connie (Grant) Schwartz, daughter-in-law Michelle Wykowski, and son-in-law Dennis Doppke; grandchildren Gregory (Elizabeth) Doppke, Brian Doppke, Stephanie Doppke (Eric Brumm), Jeffrey (Jessica) Doppke, Jacquelynn Doppke (John Smith), Lauren Schwartz, Troy (Kayla) Wykowski, Eric Schwartz, Meredith Wykowski, Chrissy Doppke-Monte (Joe Monte), Matthew Doppke; and great-grandchildren Andrew, Abigail, Amelia, Adeline, Luke, Nicholas, and Maxwell. She was predeceased by her husband Arthur, children Angeline and Wesley, grandchildren Jimmy and Douglas Doppke, brothers Edward, Chester and Louis, and sisters Stella, Helen, Genevieve, Teresa and Cecilia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Solanus Casey Center. Visitation will take place from 2-8pm on Thursday, January 18th at Wasik Funeral Home – New Baltimore (35259 23 Mile Road, New Baltimore, MI 48047), with a funeral Mass said on Friday, January 19th at St. Louis Catholic Church (24415 Crocker Blvd, Clinton Twp, MI 48036). She will lie in state from 11-11:30, with mass beginning at 11:30. A luncheon will follow. When faced with loss, periods of trouble, or uncertainty, Dorothy always assured us that “it will be ok.”

Dorothy Dolores Wykowski

December 29, 1929 - January 12, 2024