Dorothy Ayres

Dorothy Ayres (Zachman) Our beloved Dorothy left this life peacefully after 7 years at The Legacy of St Anthony on September 2, 2023. She was 97 years old. She touched so many people with her engaging spirit, love of life, and "spunky" personality. Dorothy grew up in St. Michael, MN on her family's farm with nine siblings. She met her adoring husband Richard Ayres on a blind date, arranged by her sister Lucille, and was married to "Dick" for 35-years until he passed away at 64 years of age. Dorothy is survived by her loving children, Douglas (Patty), Gregory (Susan), Mary (Tyler) Norenberg, David (Pamela), and Gary (Linda); 9 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; sisters Lucille Baker, Donna (Roger) Dummer, and brother Alvin Zachman. Preceded in death by parents Isadore and Mamie Zachman, brother Leon, sisters Elizabeth, Catherine, Arbella, Mildred, Lenore, and Elda. Dorothy was devoted to her Catholic faith and attended daily mass at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Anthony Village, calling it her "positive addiction." She also brought communion weekly and led "The Rosary with Dorothy" at Chandler Place for many years and enjoyed visiting its residents. Dorothy and Dick purchased lake shore property in Wisconsin in 1965, where they designed and built a chalet style cabin. Dorothy would execute the Friday evening "launch" whereby the station wagon would be packed with all five kids and the weekend provisions so when Dick arrived from work, he would jump in the driver's seat and off we would go. There are countless memories of life at the cabin and Dorothy loved to take her kids blueberry picking, after dressing for "combat" to fight off the biting flies and ticks. The cabin continues to be enjoyed by Dorothy and Dick's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Dorothy enjoyed traveling. With their children grown, Dick and Dorothy vacationed in Florida and Grand Cayman Island with their "dinner" group friends. After Dick passed, Dorothy traveled with her friends to Ireland, Greece, and Germany enjoying different cultures and people. Dorothy was devoted to her husband and made each of her children and grandchildren feel especially loved. Sometimes her quirky outspokenness raised a brow, but she was always a fun and memorable character. She made an impression wherever she went and had a love for people and her life. She was also an avid tennis player and extremely competitive. She played tennis into her eighties until her arthritic hand could no longer grasp the racquet. The family extends its gratitude to the caregivers at The Legacy of St. Anthony. A very special thank you for the compassionate care and support from the Grace Hospice team. They were such a blessing to Dorothy and her family during her final months. The Mass of Christian Burial is Wednesday, October 11th, 2023, at 11 AM. Visitation one hour prior at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Anthony Village, MN. Luncheon following the service. Private family interment - Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Tributes

Dorothy Ayres

January 5, 1926 - September 2, 2023

Tributes

Dorothy Ayres

January 5, 1926 - September 2, 2023

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