Dorothy Banchak is shown with one of several porcelain dolls she created throughout the years. The Native American doll shown in the background features authentic Native American regalia, while the doll at the forefront reflects authentic turn of the century period clothing. (Dionna Harris | Daily Press)

RAPID RIVER — Throughout the course of 90 years, there isn’t a lot Dorothy Banchak hasn’t done. While residing in the Chicago area, Banchak worked for F.W. Woolworth as a seamstress, at M&M Mars putting the finishing touches on Milky Way bars, at Zenith soldering coils for televisions, as a precinct captain for the Democratic party... She was also a lounge performer. Infused with a zest for life and curiosity to match, Banchak left Escanaba after graduating in 1937, and headed to Chicago. She never looked back until she returned in 1991. Even after returning to Rapid River, Banchak hasn’t slowed down. She is a member of the Rapid River Quilters Guild. “When I was younger, I hated sewing, but my first job was as a seamstress making counter covers for F.W. Woolworth in Chicago,” she said. As for quilting, Banchak said she has been making quilts since around 1989 and has created more than 30. Currently, she has 27 completed quilts in her home.