Dorothy Jane Mayo's Obituary
Dorothy Jane Mayo, age 88 of Baraga, MI passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Bayside Village, L’Anse with her loving family by her side. She was born in Baraga, MI on December 11, 1937 the daughter of the late Walfred and Pearl (Oja) Waara. Dorothy graduated from Baraga High School as co-salutatorian of the class of 1955. Dorothy married Robert P. Mayo on June 16, 1956 at St Ann’s Catholic Church, Baraga. They were Baraga residents all of their lives. Robert passed away on December 10, 2000.
Dorothy was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Baraga and had been on the church council and had been treasurer. She held many positions as a secretary-bookkeeper. She was the first L’Anse and Baraga Community Schools secretary, and had worked at the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Center and as Officer Manager at Tribal Construction Company. Dorothy was secretary to the President of the former Commercial National Bank, L’Anse until she retired in December 2002. Following her retirement, she was elected as the Baraga Village Clerk and worked part time in the Village office for many years. She was treasurer of the American Legion Auxiliary #444 for over 20 years, where she had also served as Chaplain, and had been treasurer of Baraga Fire Department Auxiliary. She was a member and secretary of Baraga County TRIAD, a member of Baragaland Senior Citizens and belonged to the L’Anse Babes Red Hatters.
Dorothy liked going to garage sales and craft sales She was an avid reader (she made weekly trips to the Ojibwa Library) had enjoyed working crossword puzzles, playing cards, going to bingo, feeding the birds and working in her flower garden and yard. She also enjoyed decorating her home for every season and every holiday. Dorothy liked angels and had a huge collection. She traveled extensively and loved attending country western concerts. Dorothy loved attending all of her grandchildren’s sports events and concerts. Her grandchildren were the greatest joy in her life and she loved them all dearly.
Dorothy is survived by her children: Tim (Diane) Mayo, of Baraga, Scott (Popcorn) Mayo of Baraga, Dawn (John) Kemppainen of L’Anse, Robert Jr. (Brenda) Mayo of Baraga, and Susie Lawrence of Baraga, grandchildren Leah, Alex, Gabrielle, Kyle, Connor Sue, Amanda, Robbie, Maddie, and Bella Rose, great grandchildren Chase, Ellis, Luca, Lincoln, Cole, Kaylee, Kendrick, Hudson, and Dawson, sisters-in-law JoAnn Ghiardi of Gwinn, Barb Mayo of Baraga, Mimi Waara of Florida, Janet Waara of Marquette, Delores Mayo of Marquette, Marlene (Ed) Damgaard of Florida, brother-in-law John (Doris) Mayo of L’Anse, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert, youngest son Jason “Jay Bird”, grandson Christopher, brothers Eugene Waara, John Waara, Stanley Waara, and Jerry Waara, and other family members.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Pastor Julie Belew officiating. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Immediately following the funeral services, the family invites friends to join them for a luncheon and fellowship in the Harrington Gathering Room, located at the funeral home.
Following the luncheon, interment will take place in the Baraga Cemetery.
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
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