Saturday, October 19, 2019

Mary Dee VanDellen Sist, DVM
    Mary Dee Sist  was born on March 30, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan and was the daughter of the late Clarence and Clare Dee VanDellen. She passed away on August 19, 2019, after a brief illness. She was a Williamston area resident. 
    Dr. Sist was a veterinarian in the area for more than 45 years.  Since 1992, she owned the Animal Care Clinic. She was a member of the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory  and was a specialist in Endocrinology.
    Mary Dee was a 1965 graduate of Royal Oak Kimball High School. She graduated in 1969 from Michigan State University with Honors, earning a Bachelors of Arts in Interior Design, and acquired her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at Michigan State University in 1973.
    In 1974, Mary Dee acquired her first Saluki and she encompassed her life. She was a healthy active dog that loved to course on her farm. She died prematurely, and in 1999, Mary Dee founded Saluki Health Research Foundation to initiate, support, and carry out veterinary research into diseases and health problems of dogs, with an emphasis on the Saluki breed.
    Dr. Sist was prominent in the veterinarian profession for her extensive canine research, especially in cardiac parameters and pathology as well as cancer of the blood vessels, thyroid hormone, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disorders. She was published in many journals including those of the American Veterinary Association and American Kennel Club.  She was a featured presenter at the Saluki World Congress in Helsinki, Finland in June 2008.In new window
    Her farm,  Tazi Farm Salukis on Meech Road, is world renowned. Her dogs are with owners and have been shown all over the United States and around the world including: Switzerland, Prague, Germany, Finland, and Egypt.  She has been nationally recognized by the Saluki Club of America and her contributions will be missed. 
    She also raised sheep, horses, donkeys, and poultry. Always a researcher and teacher, she included interns and friends in her research in synchronized lambing practices.   She was an avid gardener and a member of the Lansing Orchid Society.  Her orchids, zinnias, and daisies were the beauty in her day, and she was invigorated by her world travels, photography, helping her patients, and especially her dogs.  
    She will be sincerely missed by her dogs, family, friends, clients, patients, and colleagues. 
    Mary Dee is survived by her beloved Saluki boys:  Dehr, Bikr, Tiyee, Mehmet, and Morocco.  
    A Memorial Celebration of Life will take place October 27  from 1:00p.m.-4:00 p.m.  at the Williamston Roadhouse, 3700 East Grand River, Williamston, MI 48895.

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