Dolores Luce

Dolores Luce was born on July 5, 1928 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and passed away Friday, January 9, 2026. After her mother left soon after her birth, Dolores was raised by family friends, then lived in a children’s home, and later in foster care until she was 14. Though her early years were shaped by hardship, they also revealed the resilience, independence, and quiet strength that would define her 97 year life.
In her teenage years, Dolores went to live with her father in Illinois, where she built a life that would span many decades. She was married to Cecil “Perk” Luce in 1945, and they shared more than 60 years together until his passing in 2006. Their marriage was filled with laughter, teasing, and deep affection. They loved to joke with one another, travel together, and most of all, spend time with their family.
Dolores was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil; her sons Robert “Bobby” (the late Christine); and Charles “Skeeter” (Nancy); and her sister, Anna Mae (the late Robert) Malenius; and two late half-siblings. Dolores has seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Dolores had a deep love for life and for the simple joys that made each day special. She enjoyed traveling, walking, biking, bowling well into her 90s, playing card and board games, working on needlework, and faithfully watching the Game Show Network. She read her Bible every night until her eyesight no longer allowed her to do so and was a proud, longtime member of Northwest Bible Baptist Church in Elgin.
She dedicated 28 years of service to LaSalle Extension University in Chicago and later worked at Walmart after moving to Streamwood. No matter where she worked or lived, Dolores was known for her kindness, her energy, and her endless supply of one-liners that kept everyone laughing. Being around her meant you were almost guaranteed a smile.
Visitation Wednesday, January 14 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 1640 S. Greenmeadows Blvd. (at Barrington Rd.), Streamwood/Schaumburg. Funeral Thursday 10:30am at the funeral home. Interment Bluff City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local food pantry or a charity of your choice.