Amber Christine (Dotson) Vassar, Wabanong Kwe, age 39, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, walked on April 16, 2024, at her home in Sault Ste. Marie. She was born on May 23, 1984, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Gerald Arthur Dotson and Shelly Ann (Mastaw) Payment.
Amber grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, then earned her GED at Lake Superior State University. She attended Bay Mills Community College and worked at the movie theater and at the welcoming center for the Chamber of Commerce in Sault Ste. Marie. Amber started her family in 2009, becoming a Domestic Engineer, welcoming twin boys, and later three more children that were the light of her life.
Amber “Eastern Sky Women” was a strong Anishinaabe Kwe. She was active in Wellbriety, Recovery Book Club, “Water is Life” supporter and a proud Northern Rewards card holder.
Amber loved reading, retail therapy, and salon days with her daughter. She also enjoyed family time including movie nights with her brothers (Mike and Kevin) and her Mom. Entertaining and cooking holiday dinners were among favorite things to do. She liked taking Native Traditional jewelry classes and going to Kewadin Casino.
Amber was a happy mother of five children; and is survived by her significant other, Matt Vassar; her father, Gerald Dotson; grandfather, Gerald Dotson Sr.; siblings of Sault Ste. Marie, Michael (Michelle) Dotson, Kevin (Amanda) Keenan, Ashley (Thomas) Waddell, and Dustin Dotson; great-aunt Mary Hill; uncles, Harvey (Lisa Dietz) Bell, Wayne (Annette) King, William I. Mastaw, Dennis Dotson, Chris (Kimberely) Dotson, Ken Savoie; aunts, Diane (Foster) Boutilier, Ronda Mastaw, Maureen Weller. A niece and nephew.
Amber is preceded in death by her mother, Shelly (Mastaw) Payment; grandparents, William Joseph and Mary Delores Mastaw, Shaunna Dotson; aunts, Linda Savoie and Cheryl Mastaw.
Gathering will be held from April 18, 2024, at 9:00 AM until April 19, 2024, at the Niigaanagiizhik Cultural Building, 11 Ice Circle Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, Services will be Friday at 3:00 PM with a feast to follow.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
