Dorothy “Dottie” Nell Markillie
Age 87, of Whittemore, MI passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026 at the Divine Living Center in Mt. Pleasant, MI. She was born on November 13, 1938 in Detroit, MI to the late Kenneth and Margaret (Morrow) Bryan. Dottie graduated from Tillman High School in Paducah, KY, and went on to build a life centered on faith, hard work and service to others. In 1966, she married William F. MacDonald and together, they shared many years of friendship, family and love before his passing in 1974. Dottie found love again and married Donald W. Markillie on April 4, 1981. She took pride in owning and operating her own hobby/convenience store, where she was able to share her love of crafts with others. Dottie found great joy in working with her hands creating crafts and tending to her flower gardens. Above all, she treasured the time spent with her family and grandchildren. Dottie also had a heart for serving her community. She volunteered at the Tawas St Joseph Hospital and found joy as a volunteer grandparent at Whittemore-Prescott Elementary School. Dottie’s faith was an important part of her life and she was a devoted member of St. James Catholic Church in Whittemore, MI. She was a woman whose kindness and devotion to her family touched the lives of many. Dottie is survived by her 3 sons, Kevin MacDonald, Bryan (Katy) MacDonald and Scott (Jeanna) MacDonald; sisters, Carolyn Hilsinger and Cathy Jones; grandchildren, Tiffany, Duane (Tiara), Jessica (Eric), Bryce (Hannah) and Baelee (Joe); great-grandchildren, Dustin, Christopher, Alyssa and Max and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Dottie was preceded in death by her first husband, William MacDonald; second husband, Donald Markillie; brothers, Bob and Kenny; sisters, Peggy, Marilyn and Barbara and grandchildren, Kailey and Kenny. The family will welcome friends on Monday, July 20, 2026 from 10:00am-12:00pm until the time of Mass beginning at 12:00pm at St. Pius Catholic Church in Hale, MI. Interment will take place in All Saints Cemetery in Whittemore, MI. You may offer your condolences online to the family at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
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