Dorothy Ann Ofiara

Dorothy Ofiara was born on September 18, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, and passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at Heart to Heart Hospice Care in Troy, Michigan. Her children, Denise Mandrick and Gary Ofiara, were by her side on the day of her passing as she went home to heaven.

Dorothy is survived by her loving children, Janice (Juan) Gutierrez, Denise (John) Mandrick, and Gary (Gwen Schultz) Ofiara. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Peter Ofiara, and her son, Kenneth Ofiara.

In Michigan, Dorothy was a proud and devoted grandmother to five grandchildren—John, Kristy, Elena, Matthew, and Jenna—and a cherished great-grandmother to six great-grandchildren—John, Malachi, Joey, Jude, Gianna, and Lilyanna. They were all very close to Grandma and Great-Grandma Dot and loved her deeply. She treasured time spent celebrating birthdays, weddings, graduations, and holidays with them and often reminded them that she loved them “to the moon and back.”

In Tucson, Arizona, Dorothy was a grandmother to Robert (Alicia), Cathy (Chris) Santos, and the late Jon Anthony, who passed at the age of three. She was also a great-grandmother to Michael Trujillo, Bella Monroe, and Robert Anthony. Dorothy kept her extended Arizona family in her daily thoughts and prayers.

Dorothy also held close many relatives and friends across Pennsylvania, Virginia, California, Arizona, and beyond. Pat Watchmaker and her family, Shirley Perhalla and her family, the Farr family, the Kwiatkowski family, Barbara McAdam and Shirley DeFazio in Warren and many others were a special and cherished part of her life.

Dorothy was the second oldest of seven siblings, born to John and Agnes (née Tylka) Domzalski. After the passing of her older brother John as an infant, Dorothy became the eldest of the surviving children and naturally took on a leadership role within her family. She learned her strong work ethic from her father and her loving nature—and passion for cooking and baking—from her mother.

She attended school in Dearborn, Michigan, and graduated from Fordson High School, where she met the love and soulmate of her life, Peter Michael Ofiara. Together, they built a life rooted in family, faith, and friendship. Dorothy also shared a lifelong friendship of more than 70 years with her dear friend Helen Sagan, a bond that remained strong well into their 90s. Dorothy's "special daughter" Carol Sagan Wilkin (Paul) was always a loving joy to her.

Dorothy was a proud mother to Kenneth, Janice, Denise, and Gary. The family’s early years were spent on Coyle Street in Detroit, where they attended Mother of Our Savior Catholic Church and School, and later St. Mary’s of Redford. Dorothy enjoyed her close-knit group of friends, camping trips, children’s activities, and many evenings of card playing to Herb Alpert music.

Later, Dorothy and Peter raised their family in Warren, Michigan, where all of their children graduated from Warren Mott High School. A working mother for most of her life, Dorothy worked as an automotive secretary and continued her education at Macomb Community College, earning her Professional Secretary International diploma. She cherished her neighbors and friendships throughout the years and, later in life, was especially grateful for the kindness and companionship of friends from St. Louise Church. Dorothy enjoyed music, especially the organ and singing in the church choir. Dorothy and Pete loved their travel to P.E.I., Canadian Rockies, Aruba and other USA destinations. Often, Dorothy would take nature walks with husband Pete and faithful black labrador, Mindy or with friends to places like Stoney Creek or Kensington Parks.

The family finds peace knowing that Dorothy is now free from pain and reunited in heaven with her husband Peter and son Kenneth. A woman of deep faith, Dorothy lived her life as a devoted Catholic and follower of Jesus Christ. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and loyal friend—someone who may have even sent you a thoughtful card or two along the way.

A memorial service will be held by the family in the spring or summer of 2026 at a location to be determined.