Dorothy Jane Bavaro

Dorothy Jane Meyer Bavaro (Grandma Purple), 91, of Park Ridge, Illinois, passed away at home on August 13, 2023 with her family by her side. Devoted wife of Nick A. for 71 years, matriarch and precious mother of Kathy Bavaro, Karen Emmel (Jim), and Kristie Bavaro. Loving grandmother of Brian (Vicki) Emmel, Scott Emmel, Nick Bavaro, and Nicole Bavaro (Zach Rozdolsky). Proud great-grandmother of Francesca Dorothy and Paul James. Dear sister of late Carole and Glen Skoog and Susan (late Roger) Smith. Beloved aunt, second mom and dear friend of many.

After graduating from Austin High School, Dorothy built a life of caring for others–her family, neighbors, friends, and community. Well-known as a patient and profound driving instructor, the local nuns enlisted her to teach them. She was a Girl Scout leader who made the experience fun. Her love of fun and laughter extended to many other areas. Dorothy was a Trainer and Customer Service Manager at Illinois Bell and AT&T. Her homemade costumes most often won awards at work parties. Her co-workers, friends, and neighbors were familiar with her phenomenal baking and cooking since she shared many of her treats. Her homemade pizza became a specialty that people still ask for today. Her house was known as “The Bakery” by friends. And there isn’t anything she wouldn’t attempt to make–making baklava, kolaczki’s and other international treats as well. She was best known for her personal gift-giving at Easter, baking 40 Lamb cakes! And yes – from scratch!

Dorothy felt much pride and connection to her German heritage (although she was an astounding Italian cook!) She spent summers when she was young in the small town of Slades Corners, Wisconsin. Her greatest memories were helping her great-grandfather Paul J. (Laura) Sauer with his general store. She proudly shared that he generated the first electricity for Kenosha County and published a newspaper called The Mugwump. Dorothy delighted in sharing that she and her friend Patti would bread perch for Patti’s family’s tavern across the street.

Dorothy’s love of everything purple gained her the name Grandma Purple. She made friends everywhere she went with her fond interest in others, a winning smile, and witty sense of humor. In later years, her granddaughter convinced her to dye her hair purple to encompass the fun-loving person she was. She loved Disney World and while carrying a bag that read

“I believe I am 99% Disney Princess”, visitors and staff asked to have their picture taken with her.

Upon learning that she would be a great-grandmother, her will to meet her great-granddaughter became unshakable. To honor Dorothy's enduring determination, loving soul, and the special bond she held with Nicole, Francesca was bestowed with the middle name "Dorothy." Her profound passion and love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were unparalleled. That carried over to so many others whom she cared for deeply. In memory of Dorothy, wear purple with pride, extend your love and fun to others, and remember that we are all members of one big family in this world. In her own words, “Love everyone.” And she would agree, as her mother, Ramona, always said, “Eat dessert first!”

We invite you to honor Dorothy by wearing purple to her memorial services.

Gathering: September 10, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m., (5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Tributes – share memories and stories), Oehler Funeral Home, 2900 Miner St., Des Plaines, IL.

Funeral Mass: September 11, 11:00 a.m.

Mary Seat of Wisdom, 920 Granville (and Cumberland), Park Ridge, IL. (Parking behind the church – traveling west on Granville, turn right into first driveway and then go to the left.)

Live stream at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarySeat

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Association of Horizon, Inc. at https://associationofhorizon.org/