Dorothy Anne Dolack

Some lives are measured by accomplishments. Dorothy’s was measured by the love she gave, the faith she lived, and the people she welcomed into her heart.

Dorothy lived a life marked by generous love, unwavering faith, and quiet beauty. She loved without limits—especially her beloved husband of 60 years, Lee; her daughters, Mari-Anne, Carol Frey Doug, and Elizabeth; her cherished granddaughters, Claire and Sarah; and her dear friend, Laura Fanning. Her family was the center of her world, and her home was where those she loved were welcomed, nourished, and cherished.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee; her mother, Anna née Wodzien Romasczkiewicz; and her father, Leo Romasczkiewicz.

Dorothy recognized the intrinsic dignity of every person. She formed lasting friendships with people from all walks of life, never allowing social standing, occupation, or financial circumstances to define anyone. Whether welcoming guests into her home, entertaining at Exmoor Country Club, or gathering family and friends around a table filled with her beloved Polish cooking, she had a natural gift for bringing people together. Her warmth and joy were so enduring that Lee would often laugh and say, “Come on, Dorothy, let’s go already,” whenever it was finally time to leave a gathering.

Each year, Dorothy opened her home to the parish community of St. Mary’s in Lake Forest for a St. Joseph’s Table, welcoming all who wished to attend. This tradition beautifully reflected her deep faith, generous hospitality, love of Polish heritage, and gift for bringing people together.

Everyone who crossed Dorothy’s path felt seen, valued, and at home. Priests and religious sisters were welcomed not as visitors, but as family.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Dorothy’s devotion to Our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph permeated her life. Three things could always be found in her purse: her lipstick, her rosary, and a prayer card to St. Joseph. She taught, through both her joyful life and faithful suffering, that the path to Heaven is found through generous love, humble service, and embracing the Cross with trust in Christ.

Dorothy had an eye for beauty, a heart for hospitality, and a joyful love of music and dancing. She played the piano and organ, took pleasure in everything from tap dancing to lively polkas, and loved art, decorating, cooking, and creating a gracious home where faith, beauty, and love were woven into everyday life. Whether at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, or cheering on the Chicago Bears with her family and beloved chaplain, Fr. Nick Marro, Dorothy embraced life with enthusiasm and joy.

Dorothy and Lee traveled throughout the country by car, creating treasured memories along the way. Though she once feared flying, Dorothy courageously overcame that fear and came to treasure journeys throughout Europe. Their travels often became pilgrimages shared with dear friends, including Fr. Victor Ivers, Mercedes and Steve Foley. Together they attended papal audiences and prayed at sacred places including Lourdes, Medjugorje, and Jasna Góra, as well as in magnificent cathedrals and shrines throughout Western and Eastern Europe. They delighted in the history, art, architecture, music, cultures, and cuisine they encountered, returning home with treasured memories and hearts enriched by the beauty of the Catholic faith.

Her compassion extended to all of God’s creatures. Dogs and cats were beloved members of the family and brought her great joy throughout her life.

In her final years, Dorothy carried the cross of Alzheimer’s disease with quiet perseverance. Although the illness diminished many of her earthly abilities, it never diminished her God-given dignity. Through her vulnerability and suffering, she continued to teach that every human life has infinite value and that the Cross, united with Christ, becomes the pathway to eternal life.

The family extends its profound gratitude to Krystyna, Dorothy’s devoted caregiver, and to Laura, whose loving friendship and care remained a precious part of Dorothy’s life. Their tenderness, patience, faithfulness, and extraordinary devotion were immeasurable gifts to Dorothy and to the entire family.

Dorothy is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Mari-Anne, Carol Frey Doug, and Elizabeth; her beloved granddaughters, Claire and Sarah; and many cherished relatives, lifelong friends, and all whose lives were enriched by her love, faith, and generous spirit.

Dorothy’s Funeral Mass and burial will be private. Those wishing to honor her life are asked to remember her in prayer or have a Mass offered for the repose of her soul, which the family considers the greatest and most cherished gift. Memorial contributions are also appreciated to St. Mary of the Angels Church, Chicago for the Dolack Family Catholic Education Fund, established to help make a faith-filled Catholic education possible for future generations.

Dorothy’s enduring legacy is the lesson of her life: to love without limits, to recognize the God-given dignity of every person, and to show—through both joy and suffering—that the path to Heaven is found in embracing the Cross with Christ until it gives way to the joy of the Resurrection.

Do zobaczenia w niebie.

Until we meet again in Heaven.