Dorothy E. Grifka

Dorothy Elizabeth (Young) Grifka, 93, of Temperance, MI died peacefully on September 7, 2018 in the company of her children. She was born in Cleveland, OH on March 4, 1925 to Alvin C. And Pearl M. (Dailey) Young. In 1942, she graduated with high honors from Whitmer High School and married the boy next door, Joseph E. Grifka. They celebrated their 70th anniversary on August 22, 2012.
While raising three children, Dorothy rose to the positions of Executive Administrative Assistant at the Ohio Bell Telephone Company in Toledo and president of the Toledo Business and Professional Women. Dorothy loved to travel, and as a state officer of BPW, she represented the state of Ohio and the United States at many national and international conferences, including a memorable conference in politically unstable El Salvador, and the convention for the International Year of the Woman in Mexico City in 1975. Her work on behalf of the Equal Rights Amendment was recognized when she was among the dignitaries invited to attend the ratification vote on the floor of the Ohio state congress in 1974.

After her 26 year career at Ohio Bell, Dorothy retired and devoted her considerable talents and energy to her community, serving as president of the board for Monroe United Way, as well as board member for United Way in the state of Michigan. She liaised with the University of Michigan to conduct the first needs assessment, and was instrumental in establishing the First Call for Help program. In 1991, her contributions to the community were recognized with the prestigious Liberty Bell Award by the Monroe County Bar Association.

Over the years, Dorothy was also a 4-H leader, an officer in the International Association of Administrative Professionals, active in Bedford Women United, the Lambertville Education Club, Samagama, Lionesses, and St Luke’s Lutheran Church. Dorothy was a remarkable woman, known for her strength, intelligence and can do attitude. Long after retiring from public service, community members continued to come to Dorothy for advice and support, including many young women who will cherish her as mentor and friend.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her two sisters, Mrytle Marie Lebay and Pearl Albert-Green. Dorothy is survived by her loving sons Joseph C. Grifka (Jean) and Dwight D. Grifka, both of Temperance, MI, her daughter Judith Buchalski (Dennis) of St Joseph, MI; grandchildren, Ellen Hayes (John), Michael Buchalski, Joseph, Nick, and Emily Grifka; great-grandchildren, Jack Grifka and Phoebe and Matthew Hayes, and her beloved brother Alvin F. Young (Mary) of Chelsea, MI.

Visitation will be from 3-8 pm Friday at the Michael W Pawlak Funeral Home, 1640 Smith Road, Temperance, MI. On Saturday, Dorothy will lie in state from 10-11 am at St Luke’s Lutheran Church, 1690 W Sterns Road, Temperance, MI. Funeral services will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her church, St Luke’s. The family suggests that a good way to honor Dorothy’s memory would be to volunteer to do something good in your community.
www.pawlakfuneralhome.com