Doris Florence Hawkins

GEDCOM Note

Doris Florence Hawkins was born 2-08-1897 the daughter of Mary Ann (Cunningham) and Thomas Hawkins. Doris was born and raised on a farm in Scio Township near Dexter, MI and her siblings all settled and farmed in the area. She was a nurse at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and at that time there were only 17 nurses in the entire hospital. Incidentally the Mary Hawkins School, on Joy Rd., was named after her mother. She married a local farmer, Edward Anthony Merkel on October 19, 1919 and they lived on their farm in Webster Township, Dexter, Mi for over 40 years. During their marriage they had three children: Mary Barbara Merkel born on 8-28-21 (who later married Albert McCalla); Margaret Doris Merkel born on 7-20-25 (who later married Donald Martin Mynning, Jr.); and James Edward Merkel born on 5-04-32 (Jim passed away from massive variceal bleeding at 46 years of age).

Doris Hawkins-Merkel died of congestive heart failure at 80 years of age on December 23, 1977.

My fondest memories of Grandma Merkel were of her in her working in her large farm kitchen, cooking a big meal for the family, wearing an ever-present apron with some safety pins attached for emergencies, and a couple of rubber bands around her wrist – again for any emergencies that might pop up. She was a hard worker, loyal to her family, loving to her family, a member of the Sunshine Circle where she loved to visit and play cards, and a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Northfield Township. She could sketch beautifully – especially buildings, loved hollyhocks and roses, and cradling her grandchildren. She was a quiet woman with a huge heart and will never be forgotten by her family and friends.

Met her husband in April, 1919 at a cousin’s, Jessie Cunningham. Dated for 6 months before marrying.