Dorothy L. Olrich

March 21, 1942 - June 8, 2020

Dorothy Louise Olrich crossed the Rainbow Bridge to be with her beloved fur babies on Monday, June 8, 2020. She was surrounded by loved ones as she peacefully departed this earth. Dorothy was born in Lawrence, MA on March 21, 1942, the daughter of John & Christina Blinn. Born months ahead of schedule, Dorothy would spend her entire life as an overachiever. Her parents moved Dorothy and her infant brother Jack to Michigan in 1946. David, her youngest brother, was born four years later. Dorothy graduated from University High School in Ann Arbor in 1960, when she met the “older man” of which her father did not initially approve. Max Olrich asked Dorothy to marry him on their second date. Dorothy laughed at Max’s proposal, and refused to marry him until she finished her teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University. Max and Dorothy were married in 1965. During Dorothy’s 30-year career as an educator, she touched the lives of thousands of students. Many students from Union School, Jensen Elementary School, or Pleasant Ridge Elementary School will remember going to 5th Grade Camp with Mrs. Olrich – and they might even remember that the only authorized swear word in her classroom was “tucka-mucka-doy-doy!” When not in the classroom, she enjoyed reading, watching her “story,” listening to Tom Lehrer or Harry Chapin records, watching Bill Maher or Rachel Maddow, gardening, cooking delicious holiday meals, setting a fabulous table, playing card games, watching Michigan football, and travelling with Max. Everywhere they went, they would make friends and adopt animals. Dorothy never had children, but she had many, many 4-legged babies. She will be best remembered as a strong-willed woman, with a giant heart for animals. In Dorothy’s later years, her wit and verbose wisdom remained sharp, as did her impressive ability to recite Shakespeare. While she navigated the challenges of failing eyesight and numerous health woes, she was blessed with the opportunity to spend quality time with the “Daughter of her Heart.” Kate Melcher filled the role of caregiver, healthcare advocate, and confidante, and for that, Dorothy and Max are openly and endlessly grateful. Dorothy is survived by her husband of 55 years, Max; brothers Jack (Janice) Blinn and David (Christine) Blinn; her nephew Mathew (Denise) Blinn, niece Sarah Blinn Reid; and great nieces and nephews Zach, Aubrey, Madison, and Dylan. She is also survived by her “niece” Kate Melcher and “nephew” Scott (Carrie) Melcher. As we are not able to celebrate with a public gathering, the family asks that you celebrate her life with what she loved most: animals. Hug your pets close and learn from their love and loyalty. A private family celebration of life will take place in Saline later this summer. Memorial Contributions may be made in Dorothy’s name to Fisher House Michigan www.fisherhousemichigan.org, or to the Humane Society of Huron Valley www.hshv.org.