Dorothy V Tessier

Dorothy V. Tessier, 94, of Rockford died unexpectedly at 11:15 am at River Bluff Nursing Home; 22 days shy of her 95th birthday. Born January 1, 1916 in Rockford, IL, daughter of Gust and Effie (Stromquist) Johnson. She married Floyd A. Tessier November 24, 1937; he died on October 20, 1991. Dorothy was a member of Salem Lutheran Church and Mary’s Circle. She graduated from Rockford Central High in 1934 with such notables as former Mayor Ben Schleicher, Delores Greene, singer with the Three Stooges in Hollywood, and Norris Aldeen, Rockford Industrialist. Dorothy was a special lady who always loved her little animals. Her last dog, Annie Mae, was extra special. She loved flowers, music, traveling and making special meals for her friends and relatives. She and her husband traveled extensively across the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1967, they visited six countries in Europe, including England, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and France. Dorothy and Floyd were members of the Bell Rockers Camping group for many years, and camping was a highlight of Dorothy’s life. Dorothy served as an election judge for over twenty years. Survivors include daughter, Nancy Coppoletti-Johnson (Melvin R. Johnson) and son, Ron L. (Gretchen) Tessier, grandchildren, Michael (Regina) Tessier, Kimberly K. (Swan) Hachmeister, and Angela (Paul) Miller, great grandchildren, Jennifer Larson, Zachary Tessier, Breanna Tessier, Caleb Tessier, Amy Tessier, Andrew Miller, Deanna Chandler, David Corbett III, and April Smith, great –great grandson Landen and her nieces and nephews. She was a second mother to Paulette Spinello and LaVonne Rizzo. Predeceased by parents, sister, Mildred VanNatta, brothers, Milton and George Johnson, and sister, Betty Willis. Dorothy was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, daughter will forward donations to Domestic Abuse Intervention Services. Special thanks to my nieces, Georgiann and Pam, also special thanks to Thim Harris, Becky Pederson and the staff at River Bluff also Jessica at St. Anne’s. Funeral Services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at Salem Lutheran Evangelical Church, 1629 S. 6th Street, Rockford, with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com.