Dorothy Louise (Beinlich) Carmichael, age 94, passed away on January 3, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born to John and Ruth Beinlich on January 20, 1931, in Evanston, Illinois.
Dottie grew up in Glencoe, Illinois and was an avid horsewoman. After graduating from high school, she worked at Charles A. Stevens Department Store and performed with the White Horse Review as a bareback show jumper.
She met her husband, Boyd Carmichael on a blind date in Chicago, Illinois and soon became an Army officer’s wife, traveling with him throughout the United States and for two tours in Germany. They had four children and were married 59 years before his passing in 2013.
After her husband’s retirement from the Army in 1972, the family settled permanently in Colorado Springs.
Dottie volunteered for many years with District 11 schools, with the American Red Cross, and as a hospitality minister at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church. She was also a mother figure to many young people. She was well known for her love of animals and nature.
She is predeceased by her parents; her sister, Vivian; her husband; and her son, John (Shirley).
Dottie is survived by her daughter, Susan (Mark) Hatchell, her daughter, Mary (Jim) Thompson, her daughter, Laura (Mike) Bozeman; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass will be at 10am on January 22, 2026, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2318 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado. A Rosary will precede Mass starting at 9:30am.
The family wishes to thank ACASA Senior Care and Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care of Colorado Springs for the outstanding love and care Dottie received.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.
My heart felt condolences for your loss. A mother’s love will be with you forever in your hearts & soul. I have heard about her from Laura for many years. I wished I had the opportunity to have met her in person. As the wind blows on your face think of it as a gentle kiss from her and the forever memories you share. Always – Stacie
Your mom and dad were wonderful neighbors and a staple on our block. She was always very sweet to me when I came home from Wisconsin to visit my mom. It deeply saddens me to think that she is gone. I hope her golden palace is right next-door to my mom and dad‘s. I know they would love that! May God bless you all in this difficult time.
David Stannard
Thank you, David. The neighborhood will never feel the same. All the original family members among our parents are now gone.
My Mary T,
It is clear your commitment and love brought your mother immense comfort and peace in her final years. Thank God she had you! Her passing leaves a void, but the dedication and selfless care you provided will always be a source of strength and pride.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. We hope you find peace in the knowledge of a life well-lived and your unwavering devotion to her. May she rest in the arms of angels.
Much love,
Ken and Tina Gurule
With heartfelt sympathy
Thank you for your kind words. Mary and Sue and I appreciate your condolences.
Thank you, Stacie. Your words of comfort are much appreciated.
My dear friend Mary, it was always such a privilege to see your mother’s smiling face each time I stopped by to visit you. Dottie was so sweet and welcoming. Since the moment I first met you in 1972, your mom was so kind, and her door was always open. I can still envision her walking her dogs in front of Wasson each day. And if it was a particularly warm day outside, she would be sure to invite us in for a scoop of chocolate mint ice cream. Great memories! May all of the memories that you have of your beautiful and gregarious mother carry you through these difficult moments. You can rest assured knowing that you were her rock and safe haven. You and Jim are true angels on earth. God Bless you both!!
Mary and family. God Bless her. I always enjoyed seeing you 2 girls at 5 pm Mass. My deepest condolences. Your mom was always so happy. I remember helping her when she fell and cut herself. Even then she was happy as a lark. May she and all the faithfully departed Rest in Peace. I hope I see you again.
To Laura and Sue,
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your mum. I am keeping you both in my thoughts at this very sad time, and praying that your mum has found peace, and is now reunited with your dad and John.
Laura and family, I was sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Laura, the thoughtful obituary you wrote was such a nice summary of her life and highlights so many fun facts! I have fond memories of your mom and going to your house after school. Also, we still have that stuffed Boyd’s Bear she gave to my daughter when she was little. I am so glad that you were able to spend all those days with her last year. I am praying for you and your family. Debbie
To Mary and her family,
My deepest condolences on the recent loss of your Mom. All are in my thoughts
and prayers. May she now rest comfortably in the arms of the Lord.
May the peace she has found be a comfort to you.
Laura,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved mother. Know that the routine trips that you made down to CO to spend quality time with her and help around the house were great appreciated and created lasting memories that you will both cherish. I wish both of you peace and comfort.
-Don
Mary,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. We always loved seeing you two beautiful ladies at 5pm Mass at Divine Redeemer. Dottie had a loving heart for those that helped out. May she rest in peace. Know of our love and prayers.
Deacon Dave and Kathy Bull