Dorothy was born in Detroit, Michigan to Thomas and Edna Johnson. At the age of 20, she married her first husband, Terrence McKernan. Together they had 5 children, Thomas, Colleen, Mary, Kathleen and Terry Lynne. They were married 28 years, before Terrence passed away. Though the loss of her husband may have been hard, Dorothy remained outgoing and strong in life. She was a people person, very social and outgoing, and was much loved in return by those who knew her. Dorothy married again in 1993 to her second husband John Barr. Over the years, she also maintained active community roles as an Officer of the Independent Order of Foresters as well as a member of the Goodfellows. Even into the final years of her life, Dorothy thrived on being independent, and was very proud that she primarily cared for herself. She will be deeply missed.
Dorothy is the loving mother of Thomas McKernan (Kristin), Colleen Streetman (William), Mary Leja (Rick), Kathleen Staran (Michael) and the late Terry Lynne Theisen (Jay); Adored grandmother of Trevor McKernan (Heather), Andrew Streetman (Andrea), Terry Streetman (Emily), Tom Streetman (Songyi), Christopher Leja (Lindsey), Daniel Leja, Michael White (Marianne), Rachel White, Whitney Andre, Lauren Santos (Mike), and Shelby Theisen; Treasured great-grandmother of 18; Dear sister-in-law of Kathy Staskowski; Also survived by a multitude of other loving family. Additionally, Dorothy is also survived by her bonus family that she gained through her second marriage to John Barr; his children: John Barr (Nancy), Rebekah Barr, Susan Barr-Gartner, Ken Barr (Kathy), Eileen Winkel, Marianne Henning (Ralph), and Carolyn Ensler (Russ); as well as many bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 from 3-8 PM at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038. A brief gathering will follow Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 10:30 AM, until the time of the funeral service at 11 AM, also at Resurrection Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan privately.
