Dorothy Dawn Mienkwic

Dorothy Dawn (Cody) Mienkwic, matriarch of our family, daughter of Reva Belle (Cody) Gee and Lorenzo Cody said " I love you and goodbye" as she was surrounded by loved ones to her family and friends on June 28th, 2026. She was greeted by her Savior Jesus Christ and many loved ones in Heaven.

Dorothy lived a beautiful life full of love, laughter, family, friends and faith. She graduated from Bendle Senior High and attended Baker College. She worked for the Bus Company in downtown Flint before marrying the love her life, Richard Bronislau Mienkwic in 1957.Together they had five daughters.

Dorothy lived a very active life. Working at the GM Flint Engine Plant and retiring after 30 years of service in 2006. They had the nickname of Dirty Dort ... due to her love of telling jokes. Not for her appearance because she loved her vibrant colors and sparkles. Beside working, our mom made sure to live a life fully realized. She had tremendous bonds with ALL of her loved ones. Including her many years of bowling leagues with her sisters, Iris Robbins and Virginia Hanson, antiquing and cross-country skiing with her sister, Yvonne Suarez, time in Fostoria and North Branch with twin sisters Norma Hunt and Wilma Collins. Many wonderful days spent at her mother Reva's Dream Castle on Barnes Lake.

Dorothy loved her friendship with her Yahoo Sisters. So many trips North and parts unknown. She was very proud to be named after her Aunt Dorothy Dawn Elliot and to have her name passed down to her niece, Dorothy Dawn DeWitte with whom she held very dear. She loved and appreciated son in laws Guy Smith and Dave Norris who served as her chauffer and meals on wheels these past years. She would never turn down Bill Sneeden, Julie's partner, for a beer at The Wooden Keg when he was in town. Dorothy's bonds with all her nieces and nephews were built with love and care. They were very important to her. Her nephew Ben Rabideau was the son she never had and a brother to her daughters.

Dorothy has been a lifetime animal lover and supporter. Donating to the many charities and taking in strays along with caring for all her fur babies. She inherited this from her mother. Along with the lesson that if you have nothing nice to say about someone say nothing at all. And she kept it well. Standing firm in her beliefs was evident in her daily life and she truly treated everyone with respect.

Dorothy was proceeded in death by her parents, sisters, Grandchild Hayley Ryan Bemiss, Daughter Lisa Ann Mienkwic and beloved sister-in-law Janet (Murray) Alley.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters Daria and Dave Norris , Michele Griswold, Julie Mienkwic and Bill Sneedden and Christine and Guy Smith. She enjoyed her eleven grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.