Dora Rotondi

Dora Rotondi, age 91, passed away peacefully during the morning hours of Thursday, October 8, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 9, 1928, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, the daughter of the late Fred and Annie (Caruso) Maggi. She is survived by her sons, Thomas (Karen) Rotondi, Jr. of Kingsport, Tennessee, David (Jackie) Rotondi of Homewood, Illinois; her grandchildren, Juli, (John) Belicek, Ashley (Dan) Gusich, Gina Rotondi, and Will (Rachel) Rotondi; her great-grandsons, Jacob and Ben Gusich; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter Doreen Rotondi; her brothers, Charles Piccolo and Romeo Maggi; and sisters, Mary Palanca, Gilda Faso, Del Gnewuch, Emma Martello, and Flo McDaniel. Dora was best described as a loving Mother. She wasn’t a teacher by trade, but as a loving Mother, she did teach her children the basic core values of life; be respectful, be honest, be kind, and don’t ever start a fight but never run from one. She truly lived her life for her kids and friends. She always put others first, even when she had nothing (which was most of the time) – she made sure those around her were taken care of. And, she never allowed anything to get in the way of the safety and welfare of her family. Dora was an excellent cook! Her children remember all the wonderful cooking smells in the house. And, she passed on those great cooking skills to all of her children. Later in life, Dora took up knitting and crocheting, and became very good at it. She would spends hours knitting and hooking and developed an excellent knack for making just about everything; large blankets, baby blankets, baby sweaters, baby booties, etc.; but, the absolute best was BOOTIES for members of the South Chicago Heights Fire Department – and boy did they work, keeping the feet of the brave firefighters toasty warm in their boots in the winter time. She also became part of a knitting club at her church, the First Presbyterian Church in Chicago Heights, Illinois, where she taught them how to crochet and gave helpful hints. They always talked about her teaching skills and how much they enjoyed her company. Dora will be deeply missed by her family and friends; but, she is certainly in a much better place, and she is now with her daughter, Doreen. God rest her soul so she can finally experience everlasting peace. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 16, 2020 from 3PM - 7PM at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, Indiana. Due to the current condition of COVID-19, masks are required for attendance at the funeral home. Dora will be laid to rest privately by her immediate family at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Crown Point, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent in her memory to the Jones Community Center, 220 E. 15th Street, Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411 or to the First Presbyterian Church-Chicago Heights, 900 Thomas Street, Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411. To leave words of kindness and memories please share them below on Dora's special page.