Dolores Joan McAvoy

Dolores Joan McAvoy, 83, of Dowagiac, passed away quietly in her home surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 17, 2015, after a brief illness.   Her family will receive friends on Friday, February 27th from 5-8 p.m. at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center Street, Dowagiac, MI. with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 28th at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 51841 Leach Road, Dowagiac, MI 49047. She will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery. Please take the opportunity to sign Dolores’ guestbook and share a memory or offer a condolence at www.clarkch.com. Born in Dowagiac, MI August 2, 1931, Dolores was the daughter of Lynn and Teresa Cooper.  On August 2, 1958, Dolores married John “Jack” McAvoy, a longtime Athletic Director, Coach and Director of Development at Hillsdale College, who preceded her in death in 2008. Her only daughter, Lynn Murray, of Chicago, IL also preceded her in death in 2007.   Dolores was the ultimate mother who dedicated her entire life to raising her children and enjoying her grandchildren.  She is survived by four sons, Daniel McAvoy of New York City, NY,  James McAvoy of Navarre Beach, FL, Patrick McAvoy of Hillsdale, MI, and Dr. Michael and Amy McAvoy of Frankenmuth, MI.  She is also survived by her son-in-law James Murray of Chicago, IL; five wonderful grandchildren, Joseph and Michelle McAvoy of Hillsdale, MI, John Murray of Chicago, IL, Nate and Kate McAvoy of Frankenmuth, MI; and her brother and sister-in-law Jack and Phyllis Cooper of Sister Lakes, MI. Dolores was truly a Mom’s Mom devoting her life to her family and friends.  She was also an active member of Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Sister Lakes, MI, and played many supporting roles to her husband mentoring the athletes and students of Hillsdale College for 30 years. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be made to either: Dolores McAvoy Scholarship Fund, Hillsdale College, 33 E. College St, Hillsdale, MI 49242; or  Sacred Heart of Mary Alter Guild, c/o Marcella Wesolowski  51841 Leach Rd, Dowagiac, MI 49047.