Dolores Poe

There is no greater occupation, no prouder achievement, and no higher earthly calling than simply being known as "Mother." It is mother who cares for us, nurtures us, and above all else, loves us. Dolores Poe was a wonderful woman, a beloved daughter, sister, wife and friend. But more than anything, she was a proud and loving mother, who devoted her whole life to her family. The City of Muskegon has always been linked to the fresh waters that inspired its growth and have maintained its quality of life. In 1925, it was a bustling community, buoyed by area industrialists such as Newcomb McGraft, Charles Hackley, and Thomas Hume. It was also the home of Earl and Emma (Britton) Vunck. Earl worked as a pattern maker to support his growing family while Emma cared for their home. On July 13, 1925, Emma gave birth to a beautiful baby girl they named Dolores. Twin siblings had died shortly after their birth, but Dolores and her sisters, Lillian, Barbara and Pearl, filled their home with many activities, one of which was attending Lakeside Methodist Church, where they were members. Dolores grew up in Muskegon and attended Muskegon Schools. While in high school, a friend named Juanita Penny Poe, introduced Dolores to her brother, Lowell. It was love at first sight. Dolores decided not to finish school, leaving in the 12th grade. She had set her sights on starting a new life with Lowell. Two months after her 18th birthday, Dolores and Lowell were married. Lowell was in the service, stationed in Alexandria, Texas where he served with the military police. When he was finally discharged, Dolores and Lowell moved back to the Muskegon area, ready to start a family of their own. Their lives were blessed with five wonderful children sons Michel and Timothy and daughters Judy, Kristine and Terri. Dolores loved taking care of her growing family and all her activities centered on making their lives better. Besides the children, there were always pets running through the house. One favorite was an English Setter named Speck. Speck considered himself one of the family and eagerly participated in what ever they were doing. Whether the kids were swimming, running or sliding down hills in the winter, Speck was always there. His sled consisted of laying on his stomach with his legs stretched out around him. With seven mouths to feed eight including the dog - Dolores began working outside of the home to earn extra money. Retail was her calling and she held several different jobs over the years, yet always finding time for her family. When she was bored or upset, Dolores would participate in some retail therapy shopping until she felt better, and then returning everything the next day. When not working outside, Dolores could be found working inside. She was an excellent cook and the family always looked forward to one of her delicious meals. She also loved to sew and put her skills to use working for a sewing machine company at one point. She also used these same skills to make beautiful clothes for her family, taking great pride in her work. Dolores was not one to mince words and always said what was on her mind. Nevertheless, friends and family appreciated her directness because they knew she had no hidden agendas. This directness was also tempered with a bit of stubbornness, a trait, according to her children, they all inherited. As time went on, Dolores developed a toughness in the gentle sense of the word, and became even more outspoken. As hard as she worked, Dolores always found time for fun and relaxation. She had always loved to dance and as an adult took classes at the Castle School for Dance in Muskegon. Her warm smile and fun-loving spirit brightened any and every occasion. At home, she liked to watch The Lawrence Welk Show and especially enjoyed the music of the Lennon Sisters. She also liked the big band sound of the Andrews Sisters. Life was not all sunshine and rainbows for Dolores. In 1977, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. But fighter that she was, she survived. When colon cancer was discovered, she fought with the same intensity and survived this onslaught. The greatest tragedy was when her beloved Lowell died in 1995. Dolores never remarried, but adjusted her life and her focus to living without him. One of these adjustments was moving from the large home they had shared to a smaller home that she could manage by herself. Living closer to her children made life easier and more pleasant. Throughout her life, Dolores knew the responsibilities of a mother, the unconditional love of a grandmother and the warm fellowship of a true friend. It will be her giving nature and good-humored spirit that will be missed and last forever in the memories of those who knew her. Mrs. Dolores Poe, age 82, died Monday, November 5, 2007. Her family includes her two sons, Michel D. (Cheryl) Poe of Muskegon & Timothy (Lisa) Poe of FL; her daughters, Judy Cloud of Grant, Kristine Poe of Muskegon & Terri K. (Jose) Suarez of Muskegon; 10 grandchildren; several great grandchildren & 1 sister, Barbara Buys of North Muskegon. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lowell & twin siblings shortly after their birth & two sisters, Lillian Ramthum & Pearl Sweet. Services will be held Saturday, November 10, 2007, 4:00 PM at the Clock Chapel Muskegon. Visitation will take place on Saturday, 3-4 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the family. Please visit Doloress personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.