In loving memory of

Delores Ann Arsenault (McMillan)
February 22, 1926 - January 14, 2014

Delores McMillan Arsenault
Delores Ann Arsenault, 87, a longtime resident of Grosse Pointe Park and Farms, passed away in her Harbor Place condo in St Clair Shores, MI surrounded by many family members on January 14, 2014.
Delores was born Feb 22, 1926 in Detroit, MI to Achilles Z. Shmina and Blanche Collins Shmina. She graduated from St Marys of Redford High School and then received her bachelors degree in Early Education with a Major in English from Marygrove College in 1947.
She married Donald E McMillan in 1948 and planned for a large family. After a short time as an elementary school teacher, she became a home manager. While expecting their tenth child, Don died of a heart attack in Sept of 1962.
In 1966, she married Henry George Arsenault, a widower with 7 children. Together, Delores and George raised 17 children on Devonshire Rd in GPP and enjoyed nearly 48 loving years of marriage. They had agreed from the beginning, in order to make their new family work they would never refer to their children as yours or mine only by ours, and they kept that vow. They didnt want anyone to be labeled stepchild, stepparent, or step anything.
Delores was a devout Catholic and relied on her deep faith which guided her throughout her life. She was a dedicated and active parishioner at St Clare of Montefalco Church for over 54 years. Throughout her life she relied on her belief that God never gives you more than you can handle. For 66 years she was committed to marriage and family life, and she was extremely proud of her 17 children, 40 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Her enthusiasm for all children was quite remarkable. She was always eager to greet a child with open arms and give them a big hug. Her zest for life was apparent in her twinkling eyes, quick wit, and smile.
Delores was an avid bowler and up until 3 months ago, bowled on two leagues a week. She was proud of her recent achievement of a high game of 253! She also enjoyed golf, ceramics, playing cards, sewing, knitting, gardening, and was a gifted pianist from the age of 4. She was the queen of multi-tasking and was the master of organization. Her well-planned meals for her large family included her amazing home-made desserts. She was well known for her famous apple pie - not only by her family, but by her many friends. She was recently asked how she cooked for a family of 19. BIG POTS was her reply. At her large family table, you would often find friends, neighbors, and other relatives, in addition to her family. Whats one or two more plates! was her typical response to added guests. This trait has been passed to her children who open their doors to family, friends and relatives, based on her example.
Delores was selfless in her giving and volunteered her time and resources to many organizations. She was always available with a helping hand (and a pot of soup) for an ailing friend and family member. Even in her last days, she was asking and praying for others.
She is survived by George Arsenault, her husband of 48 years; her 15 children, R. Jaimen (Dorothea) McMillan of Schuylerville, NY; Tim (Brigid) McMillan of GPP ; Joe (Jan) McMillan of GPF; Mary Ann Arsenault (Jim Albulov) of Livonia; Tish MacKool (Mike Ryan) of GPP; Pat (Diane) Arsenault of GPW; Ann (Burt) Salinger of Beverly Hills, MI; Margaret (Paul) Roache of Detroit; Marty (Donna) McMillan of GPP; Robert Arsenault DuPont of Bridgeport, MI; Steve (Sharon) McMillan of GPW; Sue McMillan of S.C.S, MI; Aileen Arsenault (Nolan Hampton) of Branchburg NJ; Janet Arsenault Gallagher of Needham, MA, and Mary Ann (Steve) Dollinger of Dix Hills, NY; her 40 grandchildren: Scott (Mitzi) McMillan, Brian (Gwen) Roney, James (Jennifer) McMillan, Kevin Roney, Lara (Jeremy) Moore, Katie MacKool, Julianna (John) Van Wagner , Chris McMillan, Colleen McMillan, Mike MacKool, Sarah Salinger, Chantal DeNardis McMillan, Jackie (Alex) Jaffe, Katie McMillan, Mark (Brea) Albulov, Erin McMillan, Michal McMillan, Anna Albulov, Ryan Arsenault, Eric Salinger, Jimmy McMillan, Michelle Dollinger, Mike McMillan, Elise Arsenault, Max Albulov, Lindsay McMillan, Alexander McMillan, Jared Salinger, Justin Dollinger, Peter McMillan, Lauren Dollinger, Lilly Arsenault, Colin Gallagher, Shana Dollinger, Shane Gallagher, Benjamin McMillan, Patrick Roache, Tara Dollinger, Christian McMillan, and Trevor Dollinger, as well as 15 great-grandchildren. Also survived by her is her brother Arthur Shmina of Redford, MI; sister Mary Louise (John) Plante of Lathrup Village, MI; sisters-in-law Norma McMillan of Brighton MI, Martha Moe of Glendale CA, and Elaine Shmina of Au Gres ,MI; daughter-in-law, Jan Rewers McMillan of GPF, MI, and very close family friend Dr. Carolyn Barth of S.C.S, MI, along with many nephews, nieces, and many friends.
Preceding her in death was her first husband Donald E McMillan, sons Mark Anthony Arsenault and Donald R. McMillan; sisters Patricia Shmina and Virginia MacIntyre, brother Robert Shmina and son-in-law Ken MacKool.
Funeral arrangements are with Charles Verheyden Funeral Home, Grosse Pointe Park; visitation Friday Jan 17th, 2-9PM with a rosary at 7PM. Celebration of Life Mass will be held at St Clare of Montefalco Church on Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan on Saturday January 18 at 11:00 AM; in state at 10 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to St Clare of Montefalco School, at 1401 Whittier Road, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230.
Please share a memory online at Verheyden.org.

Tributes

Conrad bain wrote on Jan 15, 2015:

"Dj un an que votre bien-aime Delores vous a quitts. C'est toujours un moment pnible a vivre de voir partir ceux et celles qu'on aime.Et l'anniversaire du dcs nous fait revivre tous les beaux moments vcus avec celles qui nous a quitts. Oui, l'anniversaire du dcs est encore un autre moment pnible vivre, mais il faut se rappeler que celle qui vous a quitts est partie pour un monde meilleur. Elle pleinement heureuse et d'un bonheur infini. En sachant cela , on doit demander Delores qu'elle nous aide vivre son dpart, car son esprit et voit tout ce que vous vivez. = = demandez Marie, notre Mre du ciel qu'elle implore son fils Jsus de vous donner force et courage pour vivre une grande paix et un grande srnit, en pensant que celle qui vous a quitts vit pleinement lle bonheur ternel. J'aurai une pense spciale pour vous la messe que je clbrerai aujourd'hui. Conrad Babin , pire."

Tomislav Osmanli pls despaly the message publi.. wrote on Jan 23, 2014:

"I was greatly saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely loss of your dear mother and grand mother Mrs Dolores Ann (McMillan) Arsenault, a relative, my fathers cousin. Either I didn't meet her personally, I felt her energetic, positive personality in the electronic communications she took care of with me, being first curious, then carrying about her distant relative from Macedonia, Europe. After the loss of her first husband Mrs. McMillan clearly understood that she has to go on with her love not only for her own sake, but for the sake of their children. And on she went making life not a place of eternal grief for all of her own, later for Mr. Arsenault's children as well, but as a place of joy, of familial gathering and solidarity, of understanding and ultimately - of love. May this blessed person rest in peace. My deepest condolences and solidarity to the respected Mr. Arsenault and to all the members of their richest, numerous, loving and lovable family. Tomislav Osmanli, Skopje, Macedonia Europe "

Mary Jo Clark wrote on Jan 19, 2014:

"My condolences dear Jaimen and family on the passing of a remarkable woman. With great love, Mary Jo Clark "

Barbara Meyer-Strzel wrote on Jan 19, 2014:

"It is always more difficult for the family and friends who stay behind than for the one who is gone. My love and thoughts are with all of you. "

Joe Johnston wrote on Jan 19, 2014:

"So sorry to hear the news about Delores. Our sincere condolences. Susan & Joe Johnston "

Benedicta Bertau wrote on Jan 19, 2014:

"I never me Delores, but her vibrant joy and dedicated life has reached me through one of her many children, Jaimen. May we all be inspired - that surely would be a good way to keep the candle lit! LOVE to all the family members. - Benedicta"

Julie Auch wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Delores (Mrs Arsenault to me). This picture is exactly as I will always remember her; with two big beautiful blue eyes and a welcoming smile. I remember being one of those extra plates around the big dinner table on Devonshire! My heart and prayers go to Mr Arsenault and to all of the wonderful McMillan Arsenault family. I am so thankful to have been able to spend time with many of you and especially with my long time friend, Janet, over the years!"

Thea Blair wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"Though I never met her, I feel her love and warmth, her generosity and good humor through this brief biography and though her son, Jaimen. I am feeling intensely grateful that she lived and lived so well, for a life of such joy and compassion is a gift to all humanity."

Janice Berry wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"Delores was one of my favorites on the bowling league. I'll miss her smile, she will be truely missed."

Catherine Ann Winowiecki(McIntyre) wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"I will write this in the present tense, because I want you all to remember that Aunt Dodo is now in Heaven, living in the promise of Christ's eternal life! Yes, all of us will, and do miss her. But we do not grieve as those who do not have hope in the future of seeing her and being with her in Heaven with God! Aunt Dodo continues to live a life full of God's love! There was never a time when His love was not in action in Aunt Dodo's life on earth. Aunt Dodo's life is truly an example of a life well lived in the service of others. There is always acceptance, room in her heart to welcome and love one more person, and demonstrate Christ's compassion. I know my life is forever impacted by her strength, self-discipline, and sense of orderliness. What stands out to me is her ready laugh! She manages to recognize humor in so many things. I could go on and on, but rest assured, she is busy with Jesus getting your room ready in Heaven! So live your life admirably and stay really close to Jesus! HE is Aunt Dodo's way, truth, and life, and she stayed close to Him in every respect! Love to all my cousins, your cousin Cathy xx..."

Jean-Claude Babin wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"I don't remember much of her. I recall visiting the MacMillan-Arsenault family - all 19 of them - when I was around 15 with my parents, Roger and Pauline Babin from Bonaventure, Qubec. I remember being so impressed - I'm an only child - with seeing so many people living together in harmony in that big mansion that they had just acquired in order to fit everyone comfortably under the same roof. My mother, Pauline, and I would like to send our sincere condolences to all the family. Rest assure that we are thinking of you during these difficult times. Pauline and Jean-Claude Babin Bonaventure, Qubec, Canada"

Julie Schaffner-Miller, Mark Miller and the Mil.. wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Now in God's hands. No better place to be. Remember "DoDo" well as she and George often visited her sister Pat Shmina. Mark, my son, literally grew up at "Pat and Carolyn's" home, now have Steven and Sharon McMillan as wonderful neighbors. Anytime DoDo and George were visiting at Pat and Carolyn's they opened their arms to Mark. Will never forget her loving spirit. God Bless. "

Candi Angotti wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"My thoughts and prayers to Joe McMillan, his wife, Jan and their family on the loss of Joe's Mother. Sending hugs to you all!"

Karen Roche wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"My sympathies on your loss. What an amazing woman. Karen, neighbor of Janet Gallagher"

Bobby and Mary Morrison wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"Delores was such a admirable person. She welcomed me and family with open arms at each family event we saw her at. She always made my dad laugh all the time. We have been touched by her. "

Joan Carey wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"Dear George and family. Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of this great lady that was Delores. I have fond memories of her, specially my first time when I visited for the funeral of Tante Anna. She was a great hostess to all. I also had the pleasure of meeting a large portion of your wonderful family with photos to remember all including one with grandfather Foley. Then we met again in Bonaventure and at Oncle Leo's funeral back in October 2001. My mother Martha Babin Carey always kept in touch. My love to all. Joan Carey, Gatineau, Qubec"

kathy hampton wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"my thoughts and prayers are with you all. she was indeed an inspiration to all of the hamptons. "

Jeannie Shmina Greenwald wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"Aunt Dodo was an unforgettable woman who lived an unforgettable life. If you met her, she'd have you laughing within minutes, and you'd leave her feeling like you'd made a new friend. I loved listening to her talk - through her stories and laughter, I could easily envision her as a daughter, a sister, and a friend. Growing up with her as my aunt and being part of the cousins of the terrific family she and Uncle George created was wonderful. She had hardships and sorrow along with her joy, and in her life she always seemed to focus on the positive, with faith in God and a smile on her face. Her kids are all amazing adults who are keeping their family vibrant and connected and surrounded in love. I know her Mass of the Resurrection will be a joyous celebration of Aunt Dodo's long and well-lived life. I wish I could be among you all then but please know that I've been thinking of you all so often these past few weeks, and I believe this will be a very special time for the family. I know you will miss her very much. Although we believe in the promise of everlasting life, as she did, missing her here on earth is also part of the cycle. I love you all!"

Brian (Babin) Carey wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"Cher George, Sadened to hear about your beloved Dolores' passing. You two have had a most challenged, generous and loving family life. Wishing you much comfort from all your children and friends. As a special thought, my mother Martha always felt very close to you and Dolores, and to your sister Martha and "ma tante Anna", of course. Cousin Brian from Bonaventure "

Jack and Nance Williford wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"What an amazing woman and an astounding life! In addition to her own 17 children, she was my 2nd mom all through high school. We will miss her dearly. "

Pre Conrad Babin,prtre wrote on Jan 15, 2014:

"Mon cher Georges: Je ne vous connais pas, mais je vous offre mes plus sincres sympathies. Je clbrerai une messe prochainement pour dame Dolores Ann. Conrad Babin, le frre de Louis M. Babin de Toronto."

Beth McMillan wrote on Jan 15, 2014:

"Love you, Aunt Dodo!"

Gery McMillan wrote on Jan 15, 2014:

"Dear aunt Dodo, Uncle George, Cousins, and Family. Thank you for a fun life growing up. You were always my favorite aunt. Godmother. My love and prayers are with all of us in this fantastic family. Thanks, Gery McMillan"

Pat Garthwaite wrote on Jan 15, 2014:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."

Mary Powers wrote on Jan 15, 2014:

"My deepest sympathies to Aileen and the entire Arsenault/McMillan family. I met Aileens Mom when I visited Michigan many years ago. She ran to the door to greet me and say Hello. A great big Welcome Mary was on the message board. Throughout my visit, she was constantly telling Aileen to make me tea and bologna sandwiches. She was warm and friendly, traits she assuredly passed on to her entire family. Rest in peace Mrs. Arsenault. You did well in this life."

Savitha wrote on Jan 15, 2014:

"Thoughts and prayers with all of Delores' loved ones"

Darcy Salman wrote on Jan 15, 2014:

"Delores's story is inspiring and a role model. I can see her testament to life through my interactions with Pat Arsenault. I am fortunate to be working with Pat at Ford -- he is an incredible human being. Congratulations to Delores and thank you for making such an incredible contribution to the world."

Louis and Odette Babin wrote on Jan 15, 2014:

"May the light of Peace guide you through this difficult time with our Simpathy. Love you all"

Joost Hensen wrote on Jan 15, 2014:

" Condolences... What a lovely tale... Must have been a pillar lady... Hope THEY will keep making them... Joost Hensen and family..."

Mary Beth Mayer Vander Schaaf wrote on Jan 15, 2014:

"As a frequent visitor/constant presence at 1000 Devonshire in the 1970s, I marvelled at Mrs. Arsenault's patience, humor, extreme organizational skills and most of all the love and care she had for the multitude of people in her orbit. Her marvelousness lives on through the wonderful Arsenault-McMillan children and all the good that they do. God bless and keep you all."

Meg Knott wrote on Jan 15, 2014:

" I never met Delores but I feel through I knew her well through the loving eyes of her daughter Aileen Arsenault. What an amazing woman. Her giving and caring spirit lives on through a family that has endured through tradgedies and risen above through their love and faith. My condolences to all family and friends. "

Jackie Moe - Benner wrote on Jan 15, 2014:

"My sweet wonderful Aunt Delores ~~ I will always remember how much we laughed and laughed at my wedding so many years ago. I remember thinking, what a lucky girl I was to have such a fun, loving Aunt -- who would travel over 3000 miles just to be with me at my wedding. As an only child, that thoughtful moment meant the world to me. I love you very much Aunt Delores. I am so sorry that I didn't get to see you one last time, but I am picturing you and my Dad dancing in heaven together, watching over us. "

Colin Gallagher wrote on Jan 15, 2014:

"I love you Nana."

Debbie Salinger wrote on Jan 14, 2014:

"Our deepest sympathy for your great loss. We will miss your mother's infectious smile and tremendous energy. Jon Falk & Debbie Salinger"

Rob Foley wrote on Jan 14, 2014:

"I was saddened to here of Aunt Dolores passing. I always marveled at her happy disposition, she was just a genuinely kind human being and a wonderful role model for me. When I took on three step children I remembered her powerful philosophy that there are no steps in our family, and that approach has served me very well. I also greatly appreciated how she always treated the extended Foley Clan as her family too. My thoughts are with you all this week. "

HARVEY SALINGER wrote on Jan 14, 2014:

"she always treated me like a Son even though I was Son of a different Mother. Her SMILE would brighten any person or room. She is & one CLASSY LADY."

Marilyn and Peter Jacobson wrote on Jan 14, 2014:

"We mourn the loss of a very special lady. It takes a special woman to raise such a wonderful family and be such a beacon of light for all who knew her. She did that all that and more. "

Tom Shmina wrote on Jan 14, 2014:

"My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family now, She was a wonderful lady, and a great Aunt."

Moira Foley Bindner wrote on Jan 14, 2014:

"Aunt Delores you will be missed!!! But I know my dad and Uncle Jerry are up there waiting to welcome you. There is a wonderful saying regarding - Good and Faithful Servant - Delores was the poster child for this. Her love, laughter, joy, tenacity and ability to "herd the cats" of the Aresenault/McMillan clan. I so wish I could be there, but my love and prayers will be there."