Marydell "Dee" (Saunders) Dilworth

Marydell "Dee" Saunders Dilworth, age 96, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025,  after a rich and abundant long life.   She was born in Fort Lauderdale, FL, on April 23, 1929, to Louis Benedict Saunders and Helen Marguerite Engler.  Dee grew up in Grand Rapids and Fort Lauderdale, eventually attending Pinecrest School in Florida where she graduated early at age 16.  She then attended Stevens College in Missouri, and Lawrence College in Wisconsin.  She transferred to the University of Michigan where she received a degree in elementary education.  She was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi sorority. 

Dee met her future husband, Jim Dilworth, in Walloon Lake, Michigan while working at the Thomas House. They married on October 18, 1951, at the Thompson Chapel, First Congregational Church of Grand Rapid, Michigan.  Dee taught Kindergarten and pre-school in Walloon Lake and later taught first grade and served as a reading tutor for the Petoskey School System.   

Dee enjoyed playing cards, especially Bridge.  She was a golfer and was active in the Boyne City Book Club.  She and Jim had many years of travel including around the United States, Hawaii, Canada, and South America.  They also frequently enjoyed sailing on their boat on Lakes Charlevoix and Michigan.   They spent many joyful years together at Horton Bay with family and friends.

Dee was a breast cancer survivor and worked as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society for several years, assisting women after breast cancer surgery.  She was devoted to community service and volunteer work, by donating her time to the Women’s Resource Center, Little Traverse Hospital/Northern Michigan Hospitals Auxiliary, and as a docent for the Little Traverse Historical Society.

 She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, daughter, Susan, and daughter-in-law Donna.  She is survived by sons Wesley (Velma) and David, (Susan), grandchildren Jim (Jenny), Ted (Lindsey) and Sam, and 1 great grandchild, Kate.  She is also survived by her long-time friend and partner John Jessup who has been by her side through many years of companionship, family adventures and fun.   She is survived by her niece Lynn Saunders Schramm (Don) and their son Geoffrey of Maryland, and her niece Patty Jacobson, who has been a friend, supporter and companion for many years, especially in the later part of her life, and many Dilworth and Ripstra nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.

Dee had a lengthy and full life with many loving friends and family members.  In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in her name to First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey.   A private memorial service will be planned.