Dorothy Patronela Pawelski, age 101, of Mayslake Village, Oak Brook, IL.  Beloved wife of the late Erwin.  Loving mother of John Pawelski, Judy (John) Donner, the late Robert Pawelski (the late Celeste) and the late James Pawelski.  Devoted grandmother of Dayna Ringel, Sheri Pawelski, Jennifer (Keef) Weinstein, Lindsay Donner, Ashley (Michael) Fates and the late Paul Pawelski.  Cherished great-grandmother of Payton, Grace, Addie, Ethan, Austin, Jack and John.  Dear aunt and great-aunt of many.

Dorothy was born in 1922. She lived through the Great Depression, World War II and shared many stories with her family on how technology changed our lives throughout the years.  She said the biggest advancement was the invention of the television because it allowed people to share information quickly.  She raised her family in Chicago and they spent many summers at the family’s lake house in Delavan, WI.

She worked for many years as a secretary at the University of Illinois – Chicago and Quaker Oats.  Dorothy was always a caregiver.  She cared for her elderly mother for many years and then cared for her son when he was ill.

Dorothy was very talented and had a passion for sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting, and ceramics.   From ceramics to beautiful quilts and knitted Afghans, Dorothy’s family and friends are very lucky to have many gifts that she made throughout the years.   Dorothy took classes to make porcelain dolls and was very proud of her collection.  She also loved baking and passed that tradition along to her family.

Dorothy lived at Mayslake Village in Oakbrook, IL for over 30 years.  During her time there she was very active and enjoyed line dancing, attending the many parties and celebrations for the residents, playing cards, volunteering and her favorite by far was attending ceramics.  Dorothy made many friends at Mayslake, and she was proud to call it home.

For many years Dorothy was an active member and volunteer of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the American Legion in Elmhurst.

She always thought of others and will be remembered for her very kind heart.

Visitation 9 to 11am Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301-75^th Street, Downers Grove, IL.  Funeral Mass to follow at Mayslake Village Chapel, Oak Brook, IL at 11:30am.  Private Interment St. Adalbert Cemetery, Niles.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Legion of Elmhurst appreciated.

Funeral home phone (630) 964-6500