Dolores Frankel

Peoria. Her family was by her side.

A life-long Peorian, Dolores was born on March 1, 1931 to Arthur O. and Genevieve C. (Imes) Stein. Dee, her preferred nickname, attended Von Steuben Grade School and was a 1949 graduate of Peoria High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Bruce P. Frankel, on October 10, 1954. Bruce passed away in 2006.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dee was preceded in death by infant sister Joyce Elaine Stein, grandson Dallas Frankel, and son-in-law Mitsuteru Koh.

Dee is survived by her children, Rebecca (Eric) Clifton of Peoria, Pamela Koh of Mackinaw, and David Frankel of Peoria. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Matthew Schueller, Robert (Sinead) Frankel, Samantha (Matt) Smith, and Clayton Frankel along with three great-grandchildren. Dee is also survived by special cousin Nancy Flatebo of Rockford.

From high school until the arrival of her children, Dee worked for Central National Bank. Decades later she would re-enter the work force as bookkeeper for the family business, The Bell Clothing.

Dee was a gifted pianist and vocalist, sharing her talents throughout her life with her friends, family, church, and the general public. She was an incredibly avid reader, with her favorite genre being a good, old-fashioned mystery. Dee also enjoyed card games— playing in several pinochle and bridge clubs over the years.

A talented and prolific seamstress, Dee spent countless hours sewing for her home, children, friends and eventually her grandchildren. From receiving blankets to prom dresses, Dee created masterpieces on her sewing machine. In 1986, Dee joined the Methodist Hospital Service League and its Tuesday Morning Workshop. There she thrived for over 30 years — making precious friendships while sewing a myriad of items for the League’s fundraising efforts.

Additionally, Dee was co-founder and first president of the Peoria Jay-C-Ettes. She was on the board of the YWCA, eventually serving as president. Dee attended the Peoria Women’s Club and was very active with the Women’s Civic Federation, planning several conventions and sitting on the board. She was a member of the Peoria Symphony Guild and the Fine Arts Society. Dee was member of chapter FB of the PEO sisterhood.

Dee’s first church home was Peoria Heights Congregational Church where she was baptized as a child, sang in the choir, and served on the board of trustees. When she transferred her membership to First Federated Church, Dee continued to be involved in the choir, the Women’s Club and served as a deacon.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at First Federated Church, 3601 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria. Rev. Stephen Barch will preside. Visitation is one hour prior at the church. Please call the church office at 309-685-5258 with any questions.

Memorials may be made in Dee’s honor to: Methodist Hospital Service League, c/o Diane McCormick, Pres., 11109 N. Quail Lane, Peoria IL. 61615 or First Federated Church Music Ministry, 3601 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria IL. 61604.

Online condolences may be left at www.woolsey-wilton.com