Fidelis Dion O’Toole was born on April 26, 1913, at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon. She was the tenth of fifteen children born to Frank and Merelise (Halley) Dion. Both of her parents were born in Quebec, Canada, and moved to Muskegon with their families when they were young. The Dion and Halley families became part of a close-knit French Canadian community in Muskegon.

Faith, family, and humor were central to the Dion household and helped them navigate difficult times. Frank worked at Brunswick in Muskegon and, in 1916, built a home on Ninth Street in Muskegon Heights, not far from his workplace. Fidelis was three years old when the family moved in, and she lived in that home until she was 68.

Fidelis began kindergarten at South Park School in Muskegon Heights and later attended St. Jean the Baptiste School in Muskegon for grades one through twelve. She graduated as the salutatorian of her class—an accomplishment that reflected her love of learning and determination. One of the few in her family to complete high school, Fidelis especially enjoyed science, particularly chemistry, which inspired her to pursue nursing. She enrolled in the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1934.

Fidelis was especially close to her older sister, Dionel, who married John O’Toole in 1926. During high school and nursing school, Fidelis spent much of her time helping Dionel and John care for their growing family.

In 1937, Fidelis left Muskegon for a nursing job in Bay City, Michigan. The following year, she received heartbreaking news: her sister Dionel had died after giving birth to her seventh child. Fidelis immediately returned to Muskegon to help John care for the children.

Over time, Fidelis and John fell in love and were married in 1941. Together, they raised the seven children Dionel had left behind and welcomed nine more of their own, creating a family of sixteen.

Fidelis raised her children with the same faith, love, and humor that had shaped her own upbringing. Life brought its share of challenges, including raising a son born with Down syndrome, and the sudden loss of her husband when their youngest child was just five years old.

Despite these hardships, Fidelis remained devoted to her family. In May 1955, she was honored as Muskegon’s Ideal Mother of the Year—an award she cherished deeply, as did her entire family.

Between the three– John, Dionel, and Fidelis, there were eventually 62 grandchildren. They lovingly called her Mémère, the French word for grandmother, which was later shortened to “Mim,” a nickname she carried affectionately until her death in 2008 at the age of 95.

Fidelis was known for her kindness, warmth, and quick wit. Her ability to use humor to navigate life’s challenges became one of her defining traits—one she passed down to her children and grandchildren. Her generous spirit touched the lives of hundreds.

The Fidelis R. Dion O’Toole Fund was created to carry that spirit forward. This unrestricted fund will support the evolving needs and opportunities of Muskegon County—ensuring that, just as Fidelis did, generosity continues to strengthen the community for generations to come.

You too can create a permanent fund and begin building a legacy of hope and opportunity by including the Community Foundation in your will, making a gift today, or building a fund over time. To learn more, contact our development team at 231.722.4538 or development@muskegonfoundation.org. Your legacy can begin today.