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Dorothy Caldwell
Sinelli
Jun 29, 1931 — Jun 17, 2026
Brightmoor Christian Church
Starts at 9:30 am (Eastern time)
Brightmoor Christian Church
Starts at 10:30 am (Eastern time)
Dorothy Caldwell Sinelli, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, in Walled Lake, Michigan. She was born on June 29, 1931, in Highland Park, Michigan, and lived a life defined by faith, family and spreading joy to others.
Dorothy was a strong, social, active, loving, and caring woman whose positive outlook inspired everyone around her. She was known for her “glass half full” view of life and was a beautiful example to family and friends on the appreciation of life’s simple blessings.
Dorothy had a deep love for animals, especially cats, and found great happiness in nature. She enjoyed organizing family gatherings, watching birds, tending to her flowers and gardens, and sharing her remarkable green thumb with others. She was an avid sports fan who faithfully cheered for her beloved Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions. She also enjoyed an active lifestyle that included golf, tennis, and skiing. Dorothy had a passion for fashion and shopping and spent part of her career working as a women’s apparel buyer.
Professionally, Dorothy was a trailblazer. She became one of the youngest female real estate agents of her time. Dorothy dedicated an extraordinary 50 years of membership to Edgewood Country Club, a milestone that reflected her love for social gatherings and commitment to others.
Above all else, Dorothy’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She celebrated every accomplishment of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She took immense pride in their military service, college graduations, marriages, and the lives they built. Her love, encouragement, and unwavering support were gifts that continue to shape generations.
Dorothy’s faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She loved worshiping Jesus at church and lived her faith through kindness, compassion, and gratitude.
She was preceded in death by Lawrence Sinelli and her first husband, Robert Caldwell; her brother, Benny Gillim; her son, Bruce Caldwell; her daughters, Karen Sinelli and Kathleen Caldwell.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Brian (Sandy) Caldwell, Lorrie Sinelli, Kathy (Nathan) Eriksen,; daughter-in-law Gretchen Caldwell; her grandchildren, Jason (Kristy) Solomon, Jennifer (Chris) Miner, Aaron (Hannah) Caldwell, Adam (Amber) Caldwell, Reid (Monica) Eriksen, Cristian Eriksen, Hailey Eriksen, Erik (Jaclyn) Caldwell, Max (Stephanie) Caldwell, and Kyle Caldwell; and 14 beloved great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride.
Dorothy will be remembered for her warmth and generosity, as well as the love she shared so freely. Her optimistic spirit, caring heart, and enduring devotion to family will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
A Memorial Service will be held at Brightmoor Christian Church, 40800 W 13 Mile Rd, Novi, MI, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Visitation begins at 9:30 am followed by the service at 10:30 am.
Memorial donations may be made in Dorothy’s memory to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or the American Heart Association.
Her family takes comfort in knowing that the woman who so often said, “It’s such a beautiful day,” now rests in eternal peace and joy.
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