Dixie Lee Laurendi

Dixie was the beloved wife of the late Richard Laurendi, loving mother of Rich (Darla), and devoted Nana to Alex and Alyssa, who brought her endless pride and joy.

Born on April 20, 1932, in Colony, Kansas, Dixie grew up on her family's farm, a place that shaped her strong work ethic, resilience, and down-to-earth spirit. Although life eventually took her far from those fields, she was always a farm girl at heart.

After graduating from high school, Dixie began a career with Sears in Kansas City that spanned more than 40 years. Her dedication and professionalism led to a transfer to Oakbrook, Illinois, where she continued her long and successful career before retiring.

Dixie was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents, Theodore and Beula; her brother, Bill (Pat); her sister, Doris (Lloyd); as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, steadfast love for her family, and the warmth she shared with those who knew her.

Visitation for Dixie will be from 10 AM - 12 PM on Friday, July 17, at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17w201 Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 where a Funeral Service will follow at 12 PM. Interment at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dixie's memory to Midwest Lab Rescue at https://mlrr.org/pages/in-memoriam.