Dolores J. Muscott

Dolores Jean Muscott (nee Spiegoski), age 93, of Bloomfield Hills, MI, formerly of St. Ignace, MI, joined her late husband Charles Dean Muscott on February 8th, 2024. She was born on August 25, 1930 in Dearborn, Michigan. Daughter of the late Anthony and Mary Spiegoski (Zidel). She is survived by three daughters, Gail, Patty, and Crystal and Husband Frank. Also survived by her grandchildren, David, Daniel, Clara, and Dean. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Dietetics. She worked as a dietitian at Henry Ford Hospital and at the University of Michigan, where she met her husband while driving her convertible around campus. He saw her and threw a hotdog into her car, while she was driving by to get her attention. They were married 9 months later. They initially lived in Alice Lloyd dormitory apartment on the first floor. She managed the kitchen and was so efficient that she was asked to cook extra for 2 other dorms too. They lived in the all girls nursing dorm at the time, and dad was the only man in the building. He loved all the attention (extra desserts), and would write his name on his boxer shorts, fling them out the window, and mom and dad would belly laugh - when other young student men would swarm the building and catch the items flying out the windows for a big 1960’s “panty raid”. When she walked down the aisle at her wedding, she said the church was full but she felt like it was only her and her beloved husband. They locked eyes and she “could only see him”, and she was so happy and could not take her eyes off of him! They honeymooned in a tent in northern Michigan and sometimes stayed at the Muscott / Greening family compound in cottages on Houghton lake. One time while sleeping in a tent, lightning struck dad’s shoes – but by a miracle they both were not hurt, only burn marks from the steel eyelets. Dolores loved nature and often took her girls on walks in the woods. She liked making coleslaw, potato salad, and other delicacies – to go outside in the summer, go to a park, and have picnics on a blanket in the grass with her family. She valued the importance of education and sent 2 of her daughters to Cranbrook and was delighted that all 3 of her daughters graduated college. She thought that an education was a very valuable resource to have for the rest of your life, and she was happy to see her grandchildren go to college too. At Michigan State University she was proud to be part of the Phi Mu sorority of “faithful sisters”. After having children she portrayed herself as being very proper, but she did have a bit of a fun and a wild side even into her 90’s. Sometimes when you asked her if she was a “good girl” she would say yes, and other times she would say no that she still likes to have fun! There are pictures of her and her sorority sisters having parties in school and they were all wearing white slips. The godmother of her children said that when she was younger, Dolores would boast that she could drive home to Dearborn from Ann Arbor, in less than 30 minutes. She was loved and respected in the community and lived in Dearborn, St. Ignace, Ann Arbor, Saline, and Bloomfield Hills. She taught her daughters the basics of business, marketing, and making a profit, starting when they could walk. One evening she came over to the campground for dinner with her daughter, and she learned to play monopoly on a picnic table by the beach. She lost the first game, then proceeded to buy hotels on the board, and won every game (she was thrilled) and could not stop playing until finishing up at her hotel at 3:30 am. It was so much fun to see her so happy, that all of us laughed and did not mind losing all those games. Dolores and Charles loved working as a team at their numerous businesses, Castle Rock Campark, KRoyal Motor Inn, Victorian Village, and Castle Mini Golf in St. Ignace Michigan. In her later years she enjoyed trading stocks and watching CNBC, even in her last days. She had a good quality of life, even though she was 93. For her 93rd birthday we celebrated on several different days – she went on a pontoon boat on a lovely sunny day (enjoying the swans, nature and houses), had Mexican food for the first time and she giggled that the water was vodka - plus she wore a big red sombrero hat, and another day we picnicked outside with a big chocolate cake. She had an infectious smile and laugh, brightening those around her. She had constant and unwavering love and devotion for her dear husband Charles. She could never vote for someone else, because she did not want to cancel out his vote. She talked about how wonderful and how handsome he was, even though he preceded her in death by about 22 years. Charles and Dolores were happily married for over 45 years! In her final days, she said that he stood before her and he was absolutely so very handsome – sometimes she would reach out to him and give him hugs. There is no doubt that he was there to welcome her into heaven, and comfort her and be eternally by her side. She appeared to glow and was in peace, after her passing – while resting in the hands of God. After her beloved husband passed away, she would say, “life must go on”! Her last words of wisdom were to "be strong." Friends may join the family for a time of visitation on Monday, February 12, 2024, from 10:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church in Saline. A Funeral Service for family and close friends will start promptly at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 12, 2024, at the conclusion of visitation. Pastor Amy Triebwasser will be officiating. Burial will follow at Ithaca City Cemetery, in Ithaca, MI, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband Charles and next to his parents. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Dolores’ name may be made to the St. Ignace United Methodist Church. To leave a memory you have of Dolores, to sign her guestbook, or for directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

Tributes

Dolores J. Muscott

August 25, 1930 - February 8, 2024