Dorothy M. Van Brussel

Van Brussel
Dorothy M. (Shufelt)

Dorothy M. (Shufelt) Van Brussel, age 76, passed away Monday, May 19, 2008 at home under Hospice care after a 2 ½ year struggle with cancer. She was born on June 25, 1931 in Toledo to Florence and Cecil Shufelt who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her two adult children, Valerie M. (1-18-06) and Dirk A. Van Brussel (9-20-07). Dorothy was a 1949 graduate of Scott High School. Following High School she was employed at Walding, Kinnan and Marvin on Summit St. and then PBX operator at Bostwick Braun. Following her husband's ministry callings, she was employed as a receptionist at an area newspaper in Perry Hall, MD and then PBX operator at Capital University, Columbus, OH. Moving to Pittsburg, PA, Dorothy continued her occupation at Presbyterian Hospital, then Hampton, VA where she became involved in patient admitting of the local hospital. In 1980 the family moved back to the Toledo area where she was employed at St. Charles Hospital for 14 years in the Admitting Department, retiring in 1994. Dorothy is currently a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe St. She always has been involved in church "outreach" activities, along with teaching SS for 14 years at Zion Lutheran Church, Perrysburg (Latcha), OH, but mostly enjoying quilt making activities for Lutheran World Relief through the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, Alexis Rd.

She is survived by her husband, the Rev. James R. Van Brussel, who were married on June 25, 1953 and currently the Interim Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church, Williston, OH; daughter-in-law, Jill, of Chicago, IL; sister, Jean Siferd, of Catawba Cliffs, Port Clinton, OH; 1 niece and 2 nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Sunday and Monday from 2 – 4:00 and 6 – 8:00 p.m. at the Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300). A Celebration Service of Dorothy's life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 4441 Monroe St., Toledo on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior, with the Rev. Merlin Jacobs officiating and the Rev. Dennis Lauman, Interim Pastor and the Rev. Mark Miller, Asst. to the Bishop of NWO Synod, assiting. Interment will follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Following the interment service a reception of friends and family will be held at Grace Lutheran Church.

Many thanks to all the friends that stopped by to visit, sent cards, flowers, and especially the numerous prayers of friends and churches. A special thanks to the staff at Heartland Hospice, especially Jody S., Donna and Tammy who were extremely comforting to Dorothy and her family members.

Memorials may be gifted to Heartland Hospice Services, 3450 W. Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43606, Grace Lutheran Church, 4441 Monroe St., Toledo, OH 43613, St. John Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 235, Williston, OH, the ECLA-NWO Synod, 621 Bright Rd., Findlay, OH 45850 or the Donor's Choice.