Negaunee- Dorothy Alice (Boase) Sivula, of 455 Bay De Noc Street, Negaunee, passed away on August 14, 2026. She was born October 18, 1929, in Ishpeming, the only child of Melville T. and Alice (Holmgren) Boase.

A proud graduate of the Ishpeming High School Class of 1947, Dorothy married E.W. “Bee” Sivula on June 18, 1949. The couple spent four years in Chicago while Bee completed his Doctorate of Optometry and Dorothy worked as a secretary. They later returned to Negaunee, where Bee opened his optometry practice, serving the community for 30 years.

Dorothy had a lifelong love of children. Early on, she taught Sunday School, led Girl Scouts, and worked as a teacher’s aide. She went on to earn her degree in Elementary Education from Northern Michigan University, graduating cum laude in 1963. Dorothy taught for one year at K.I. Sawyer and spent the next 27 years in the Negaunee school system, retiring in 1986.

She was a longtime member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Negaunee and was active with the Bell Hospital Auxiliary and Wawonowin Country Club. Dorothy loved to travel and found joy in reading, cooking, crossword puzzles, and tending her flowers.

Dorothy cherished her close circle of lifelong friends—her “special friends.” They shared decades of laughter, lunches, coffee dates, and shopping trips. These friendships were among the great joys of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Bee Sivula; her parents, Melville and Alice Boase; 16 aunts and uncles; and many cousins. She often spoke fondly of her extended family and the happy memories they created together.

She held a special place in her heart for Joan Bjorne and her son KC (Kristen) Bjorne; Kevin (Andrea) Bjorne; Kristin (Brent) Peterson and Cindy (Tony) Blake and their families, who remained constant sources of love and support.

Dorothy is survived by two nieces, Mary Esther Sivula of Montana and Susie (Bill) Sayes of Lafayette, LA; a nephew, Eric (Eloise) Sivula of Texas; and many cousins.

Dorothy wished to express her deepest gratitude to the staff of Teal Lake Assisted Living for their exceptional care, warmth, and many thoughtful favors. Their kindness, companionship, and lively conversation brought warmth and joy to her days throughout her years as a resident.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of UP Home Health & Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Dorothy and her family.

In accordance with her wishes, a private funeral service will be held, and she will be laid to rest at Ishpeming Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church of Negaunee.

Dorothy’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.