Dolly Isham was born Zeatha Dolena Smith, the daughter of Allie (McLean) and Joseph "Harry" Smith, on March 11th, 1928. Having always preferred the name Dolly, her friends and family remember her by this name.
Dolly passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 7th, 2018 in the company and comfort of family. She was preceded in death by both her parents; her sisters, Cherry Michaud and Isabelle Smith; brothers, William Smith and Frank Smith; son, Scott Isham; and her granddaughter, Laura Isham. She is survived by her husband, Neil G. Isham (Pete) with whom she celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on February 27th, 2018. She is also survived by one brother, Donald Smith; sons, Michael (Don) Isham, Brian (Barbara) Isham, Gary (Terry)Isham and Mark (Christine) Isham; daughter in law, Joan Isham and Gary (Debbie) Christner who long ago become known as the sixth brother; grandchildren, Jason Isham, Alyssa James, Anne Kuhns, Will Ferguson, Casey Ferguson, Allison Isham, Matthew Isham, Erika Isham, Josh Isham; two great grandchildren, Kiera Isham and Zadie James; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and family friends will miss Dolly's loving presence.
Dolly was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and maintained her Canadian citizenship throughout her life. She loved spending time with her family in Canada. It was a highlight to take her boys to visit their cousins in Canada each summer. The family bond that was developed during those years continues with the family reunions that were held at Sand Bay, Ontario and recently moved to the Sylvan Shores Estate near Cheboygan, MI. Dolly and Pete married in 1948 and in 1957 they began construction on their family home in Albion, where they resided for over 60 years.
Pete and Dolly retired 31 years ago and early on they enjoyed traveling. They worked as campground hosts at Pictured Rocks National Park in northern Michigan and Junction Creek USFS campground near Durango, Colorado. Both gave time and talents to the Pine Mountain Settlement School in Kentucky as well as dedicating many hours to their own church, Caring Community Church of Albion. Dolly was a person of strong Christian faith and she had a special heart for the children of the church.
Dolly's family would like to thank the many people who honored her life by helping her through her last days. She was blessed to have received the best and kindest of care from all she came in contact with, but especially of note are the staff and friends at Maplewood of Marshall and at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services.
Visitation
MAR
16.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)
Caring Community Church
1015 Irwin Avenue
Albion, MI, 49224
Visitation
MAR
17.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EDT)
Caring Community Church
1015 Irwin Avenue
Albion, MI, 49224
Service
MAR
17.
11:00 AM (EDT)
Caring Community Church
1015 Irwin Avenue
Albion, MI, 49224