Ishpeming Twp.- Dorene Gay (Hodge) Maki, age 83 of 2015 School St Ishpeming Twp, (North Lake Location) passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of her family, the staff at MCMCF, and U.P. Home Health & Hospice.

Dorene was born January 29, 1933 in Negaunee to the late William & Grace (Thomas) Hodge. Gay graduated from Ishpeming High School, class of 1951. She married George Maki on May 16, 1953.

Gay grew up in North Lake Location, and as a young girl was involved in 4-H activities. After high school, she worked as a telephone operator for the Bell Telephone Company in Grand Rapids. After marriage, she became a full time homemaker. She was also involved in many activities and volunteer projects. Gay loved everyone, but she loved her family the most. She was in her glory when all of her family members were together where she could share stories, play cards, and make crafts with her grandchildren. She not only enjoyed spending time with her family, but she also supported them in any way she could. She welcomed anyone to her home with open arms. She was a creative problem solver, and many people will remember her for her sense of humor. Her laughter and zest for life were very contagious. Gay was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church. She served as a chairman and craft consultant for the Girl Scouts of America as well as a Girl Scout Leader. She coordinated and planned the North Lake School All Class Reunion in 1997 and volunteered her services to organize the annual Ishpeming Township Senior Citizens Christmas Party.

Gay is survived by her husband George Maki, three children: Brian (Julie) Maki of Ishpeming, Sandy (Todd) Dowrick of East Lansing, MI and Cheri Lofaro of Ishpeming, two brothers: Walter (Lou) Hodge of Watervliet, MI and Jack (Esther) Hodge of Ishpeming, a sister Joy Pepper of Jackson, MI, six grandchildren: Sheri (Chad) Hewitt, Traci (Adam) Michaud, Ryan Lofaro, Jordan Lofaro, Amy (Marcelo) Olivarez, and Brad (Melissa) Dowrick, five great grandchildren: Caitlin Hewitt, Blake Hewitt, Nolan Michaud, Norah Olivarez and Brody Lofaro, a brother-in-law Ken Maki, a sister-in-law Barbara McGowan along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Gay was preceded in death by her parents: William Hodge and Grace Hodge Nichols, a sister Judy Hakes and a brother William Hodge.

Gay's family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, January 27, 2017 from 11:00 am- 1:00 pm at the Wesley United Methodist Church where funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm with Rev. JJ Mannschreck to officiate. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

A luncheon and celebration of Gay's life will be held in the church fellowship hall following the service.

Gay's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .