Dorothy A. Stephens' Obituary
Dorothy Alice Stephens - Born May 11, 1937, Chippawa Falls WI; Daughter of Alice (Gulczinski) and John Badzinski. She was a graduate of Thorp High School in 1955 and then graduated from IBA School of Cosmetology, Eau Claire WI in 1956.
She married James Stephens on July 7, 1956 in Thorp WI. Together they brought into the world three talented children Dawn (Robert) Telfer, Waupaca, WI: Terri (James) Schulz, Waupaca, WI and Stacey (Arthur Cuadros) Stephens, New York, NY.
Dorothy loved and enjoyed her grandchildren Lucas (Joanne) Telfer; and Kara (Patrick) Delaney; and her nine great grandchildren Austyn, GraceLee, Eliyah, Josiah, and Joshua Telfer; Madison, Logan, Tretton, and Chasten Delaney. Dorothy is also survived by her brothers and sisters John (Justine) Badzinski, Jean (Gene) Mercer, Karen (Rick) Schlabowske, and Gary (Pam) Badzinski.
Dorothy enjoyed being busy and a part of the community. She was a member of St Mary Magdalene’s Church, and a member of the Ladies Sodality. She was active in the Waupaca Bowling league, the Red Hat Society and served as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader in the 1960s. Dorothy started the Flower Pots program to beautify Waupaca’s downtown and raised funds to support the program with a food booth at Strawberry Fest selling Strawberry Belgian Waffles for many years. She volunteered at the Waupaca Senior Center helping with bingo games; volunteered at the Space Coast RV Park running their weekly bingo program and held a Polish Dinner and comedy skits for many years.
Dorothy was an entrepreneur at heart and, in March 1967, she started the Hi-Style Salon where she worked until the age of 80. Over the 55 years she employed many hair designers, nail technicians and massage therapists and hosted thousands of guests who became long standing friends. She also worked at several hair salons in Rockledge, Florida during the winter months when Jim and she wintered in Florida. She and Jim also co-owned The Junction clothing store in Waupaca and started Grannie’s Cupboard a gift store in downtown Waupaca.
In her younger days, Dorothy was active in 4-H and was an accomplished baton twirler and as an adult gave twirling lessons. Dorothy enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, crafting, and China painting. She watched her favorite soap operas and took great pleasure in planning family and class reunions. She loved celebrating and throwing parties.
Preceded in death by her parents John and Alice Badzinski; Husband’s parents Clarence and Faye Stephens; brother and sister-in-law Norman and Una Fredrick and great granddaughter Jordenne Paige Delaney.
Dorothy lead an active life with many interests and activities but her greatest joy – and her greatest pride was her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 11 am at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca. Father Placid Stroik will officiate, with burial to follow at the Barton Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, February 13, 2023 from 4 pm until 7 pm at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca, with a Rosary Service to follow at 7pm. Visitation will also be held on Tuesday from 10 am until the time of the mass at 11 am at the church.
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