Dorothy Piotrowski started attending the Mills Activity & Dining Center at the urging of her daughter after her husband passed away in 2021. She and her husband were best friends who did many activities together. They also farmed and raised dairy cattle. “He came with five cows when we married, which eventually grew to 30!” Dorothy and her family have lived in the Mills area their entire lives, and some of the ladies who regularly attend the Center are actually her cousins, making Mills a perfect fit for her.
Dorothy is passionate about her sewing hobby. She shares, “My mother sewed all of our clothes when we were little. I learned most of what I know about sewing from her. I made some things for myself, but now I am in a quilting group. I sew using a long arm—these are about 14 feet long and are used just for quilting. I make a lot of quilts that I give away.” Dorothy hopes her sewing legacy lives on through her grandchildren, with whom she has shared her quilting skills. Her grandchildren have even entered quilts they made in the Standish fair!
Staying connected with family and friends is very important as we age, and Dorothy keeps in touch by meeting up at HH Bakery in Pinconning, playing cards, and participating in church-related activities. She is also very close to her grandchildren, who visit her often. “They can always stay at Grandma’s house!” she says. One of Dorothy’s fondest memories of growing up is having a loving father and mother.
When asked what life lessons she would share with younger generations, Dorothy suggested they could benefit from being patient, kind, and helpful to others. “I want to be there for my family and find ways to help in the community whenever possible.”
If you would like to take a tour of one of our five Activity & Dining Centers or are interested in getting involved in helping the community, call Senior Services at 989-633-3700! If you would like to be a featured participant in the Center Spotlight, please contact your Center Site Manager for more information.
