Dorothy J. Smouse

Dorothy J. Smouse, 89, of Dowagiac, passed away on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at the Timbers of Cass County. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 25, 2018, at Holy Maternity Catholic Church, 210 N Front St., Dowagiac, with Father Mike Rejent officiating. Memorial contributions in Dorothy’s name may be made to the Dowagiac County Council on Aging or Sacred Heart of Mary, Maintenance Fund. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.clarkch.com. Dorothy was born on August 21, 1928 in Milwaukee, WI to Joseph and Teresa (Verbanic) Sedlar. She attended and graduated from Dowagiac High School. On May 16, 1953, she married her first husband, the late Nick Oprea. Dorothy later met James Smouse, who she married on October 10, 1964. She worked as a daycare provider for over 20 years taking care of many children in the Dowagiac area. Dorothy loved to travel, she often traveled by bus all over the States with some of her close friends. In her spare time, she enjoyed bowling, playing cards and polka dancing. Most of all she loved her family and will be missed by all who knew her. Dorothy is survived by her children, Jerry Oprea, Nikki Bisnett, Debby (Michael) Wright and Darin (Jennifer) Smouse; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and sister Mary Ann (Tom) Balla of Sun City West, AZ Dorothy was preceded in death by first husband Nick Oprea; second husband James Smouse; daughter Lori Dillingham, son-in-law Tom Bisnett and siblings Fran Wilson, Ted Sedlar, Ruth Martin, Elizabeth Periman, Bill Sedlar, Joe Sedlar, Robert Sedlar and Gerti Harrier.