Dolores “Bootsie” Kawa, age 93, passed away May 5, 2025. She was born June 23, 1931 to Anthony and Pearl Bembnister.

Born in Detroit, Dolores and the Bembnister family moved to Wisconsin shortly thereafter. Dolores received her nickname “Bootsie” from their landlord who said she looked like the cute baby from the 1930's comic strip Boots and Her Buddies. That name stuck for life!

After moving back to Michigan around the age of ten, she continued with her schooling and met her soon-to-be husband, Raymond, who lived around the block. He would ride his bike past her house every day, just to see if he could get a glimpse. Ray went into the service, dedicating four years to the US Army and Air Force. The two were married shortly after his return in April of 1953.

The Kawa’s bought their first home in Inkster, where they raised Rick and Debbie. Ten years later, Linda was born and the family moved to Livonia, where Bootsie was a lunch mother as well as working for Livonia Public School’s food distribution. She loved working fancy parties, catering with a good friend who had a little business. They would then take some of their earnings and go to Las Vegas, as she loved to dabble a little with the slot machines. 

Bootsie's first achievement was winning a most beautiful baby contest that her mother entered her in. She would continue with her achievements, winning bowling tournaments, senior Olympics, and talent competitions, just to name a few.

She was a proud “Red Hatter” as a member of the Red Hat Society, as well as the Colony Club, Pioneer Club, and Sounds of Canton. Her love for music and entertaining was a big part of her life. Her biggest accomplishment came at 91 years of age when she and Linda entered the Independence Village of Brighton Valley's Ageless Talent Competition. They competed against five different states and over three hundred acts. Bootsie yodeled, a talent her mother taught her as a child. She became one of five semifinalists, and they had a huge party to announce her as the grand prize winner. She was so thrilled and happy, earning a trophy, tons of recognition and putting Independence Village of Brighton Valley on the map. She also had a great love for fashion, decorating and gardening, as she and her home were always in pristine condition. 

Dolores was the beloved wife of the late Raymond. Loving mother of Richard, Linda (Tom) Frazee, and the late Debbie (Ed) Kretschmer. Dear grandmother of Kelli Hanley, Lisa (Tim) Dewar and Chelsea (Korey) Spalding and great-grandmother of Kendall, Kyelle, Carson, Miles, Hudson and Lucy. Also survived by her sister Betty (Timmy) Machowicz. She was predeceased by her brother Raymond (the late Betty Lou) Bembnister.

A truly beautiful lady inside and out. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Rest in peace Bootsie, until we meet again.

Visitation for Bootsie will be held on Wednesday, May 14th, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with Scripture Service at 6:30 p.m., at McCabe Funeral Home, 851 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton. She will lie in state on Thursday, May 15th, at 10:00 a.m., until the time of her Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., at St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church, 555 S. Lilley Rd., Canton. She will be laid to rest in St. Hedwig Cemetery, Dearborn Heights.

Those wishing to make a donation in Bootsie’s name can direct memorials to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.