Dorothy J. ‘Butch’ Thatcher, of Mishawaka, formerly of Buchanan and Niles
Published 9:13 am Monday, October 22, 2018
Oct. 26, 1944 — Oct. 18, 2018
Dorothy J. “Butch” Thatcher, 73, of Mishawaka, formerly of Buchanan and Niles, passed away surrounded by her family and friends on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018.
Butch was born on Oct. 26, 1944, to James and Dorothy (Zinc) Brechenser in Dowagiac.
Dorothy J. “Butch” Thatcher
Butch graduated from Dowagiac High School and from Ferries State University in 1968 with a degree in pharmacy. She was a registered pharmacist for more than 40 years working through the South Bend and Niles area.
On June 28, 1968, Butch wed the love of her life, Jack B. Thatcher in Big Rapids. Butch and Jack purchased Drolet Pharmacy in 1971 and together ran Thatcher Pharmacy for more than 25 years.
Butch was an active member of Saint Mary’s Church in Niles parish for many years serving as room mother at school, on parish councils, and always ready with a fresh baked pie or brownies when called on.
She and Jack loved their visits “up north” in Michigan, trips to Chicago, Charleston, South Carolina and other locations. Over the years, Butch enjoyed many arts and crafts, shopping, and a good glass of wine. Butch loved all her many dogs over the years and took great pride in caring for her home, yard, family and friends. She was known to be generous and often made anonymous donations to someone that needed help.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack in 2007; and a sister, Kristen Cox in 1996.
Butch is survived by her daughter Melissa (Christopher) Pitt of Mishawaka; son, Andrew “Andy” (Shannon) Thatcher of San Antonio, Texas; grandsons, Jack A. Thatcher, Michael Thatcher and Owen Pitt; and a sister, Jamie Dirksen of West Lafayette, Indiana.
Butch’s family would like to express their sincerest thanks for the blessing of many exceptional people who provided care and support to Butch and her family including: Dr. Alice Isaacson, Dr. Rashid Khan and the staff at Michiana Hematology Oncology, Dr. Samer Hassna and the nursing staff and Saint Joseph Medical Center, and Debra and the nurses and aides at Sprenger Healthcare.
A time of visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Niles. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Butch’s memory to the Brian Parker Foundation; 2469 Lone Elm Street, Niles, MI 49120 or the Jack Thatcher Memorial Scholarship Fund, Lakeland Health Foundation, 31 N. St. Joseph Ave., Niles, MI 49120
Condolences may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Niles.
