Doris C. Pacelli
Doris C. Pacelli, passed away on April 8, 2026, in Venice, Florida at the age of 92.
Doris was born in Chicago on April 7, 1934, to John and Barbara Gutsmiedl. She attended St. Michael’s Church and School in Chicago along with her siblings. She went on to attend the Chicago Art Institute and won several awards for her artistic achievements.
Doris married William M. Pacelli on October 4, 1952. Their marriage was a happy and enduring partnership that lasted more than 60 years until Bill passed away in 2015.
Doris was a devoted wife and mother who did her own canning, sewing and cooking. She was passionate about the arts and developed skills in stained glass art, painting, and acting. She was an integral part of “The Silver Foxes” “Social Security Scandals” and the “Venice Little Theater” groups and entertained locals for more than a decade. Her “Vitameatavegamin” skit is remembered by all. Doris volunteered for “Little Sisters” organization and worked as a Tribunal Secretary for the Diocese in Lansing for 14 years after her youngest children were in school.
Doris was also known for her enjoyment of nature, especially flowers and birds. She was friendly to all she met and always wore a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed by her loving family.
Doris is survived by her six daughters, Doris Mary Pacelli (Crews), Patricia Ann (Sims) Pacelli, Marcia Jean (Griffes), Cynthia Sue (Weber), Jeanne Elisabeth (Pankow), and Christina Marie (Moronell); her brother John F. Gutsmiedl, his wife Ellen and their children Janet, Barbara and John III; 15 Grandchildren: Daniel W Guild, Carey Ann Sims, Jamie L. Sims, William M. Griffes, Katherine R. Griffes, Emily D. Griffes (Floury), Timothy J. Griffes, Michael J. Davis, Jeffrey L. Davis, Carter W. Pankow, Lillian P. Pankow, Erin A. Moronell, Dana C. Moronell, Mark W. Moronell, and Gwen C. Moronell. 14 Great grandchildren: Julia I. Sims, Logan V. Guild, Easton D. Griffes, Callie A. Griffes, Montgomery W. Griffes, Charlotte D. Griffes, Roman D. Griffes, Brixton L. Davis, Oliver J. Davis, Noah M. Davis, Anthony M. Fulger, Thomas J. Fulger, Oliver A. Floury, and Greyson J. Floury.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Barbara, and her husband Bill. Her legacy continues through the communities she enriched, and her family who carries her memory forward.
A Funeral Mass was held at St. Peter Catholic Church on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. with interment at Rosehill Cemetery following the Mass. Brief visitation was held in the church vestibule prior to the Mass. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.