Dorothy and Gary Michalek, active Master Gardeners, did extensive volunteer work at Tollgate and with MGAWC before moving to Frankfort, Michigan, in 2000.  Dorothy's sudden death in a car crash on February 27, 2007, was a huge loss for her family, her friends, and the community.

Dorothy shared her love of gardening with many including her husband Gary and her sister Alice Davinich, both of whom she inspired to take the Master Gardener course.  Gary and Alice completed the training and continue to support Master Gardener volunteer efforts.  As a Tree Steward, Dorothy involved another sister in developing an extensive bibliography for the MGAWC Tree Day educational program that she and Gary helped to coordinate.

While living in Livonia, Dorothy was an Advanced Master Gardener and an area garden leader at Tollgate.  Dorothy and Gary loved the entrance garden by the conference center at Tollgate.  Dorothy taught composting at Henry Ford Community College, was the music librarian for the Schoolcraft College band, and played clarinet at many summer concerts.  Dorothy shared her love of music with the community.  She and her fellow musicians delighted listeners at the Tollgate Summer Celebration.

Dorothy and Gary continued their volunteer work after moving up north.  In Benzie County, they contributed to the children's gardens, the Rotary Park, where Dorothy was a garden leader again, and their church gardens.  They missed their friends in southeastern Michigan, but loved their home in the country with a view of Lake Michigan, the surrounding community, their family, Maine Coon cats, music, and gardening.

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