Dorothy Oleksy

On the afternoon of March 2nd, after receiving her final Day of Ashes, our beloved GiGi got her wish to go Home. Dorothy Oleksy, (nee Bieszczad) peacefully passed away at 90 years young. She lived a full and loving life which will be celebrated and remembered with Wake services on at Countryside Funeral Home; 333 S. Roselle Rd. Roselle, IL 60172 on Tuesday March 8th from 3-8pm. Prayers will begin at Countryside the morning of March 9th at 9:30AM, followed by Funeral Mass at St. Walter Church at 10:00AM and a burial at Maryhill Cemetery.

Dorothy went by many names. Her favorities were: Mom, to daughter Nancy (Larry) Stephens, Gram to granddaughters Karen (James) Giannoulis; Cheri (Rocco) Molfese; and Deb (Chris) Collard. She was cherished as Dor and Auntie Dorothy by many and her friends often called her Dottie, or Dot, but it was the name she chose herself that was her absolute favorite.

In 2007 she became a Great Grandma and thought long and seriously about what she wanted her name to be to for her next generation. She decided on, and will eternally rest as GiGi (Great Grandma) to Alayna Giannoulis; Frankie, Carmine, and Nico Molfese; and Jocelynn and Luke Collard.

Dorothy was a longtime Medinah, IL resident where she resided with her late husband, Rudy Oleksy until ’93. In her final days she was most looking forward to seeing him again. She spent her later years in Schaumburg and Roselle, making friends wherever she went. Everyone loved her. She was a strong independent professional woman, long before it was a societal norm. Along the way she made everyone feel acknowledged and important.
St. Walters Parish in Roselle was a tremendous part of her life story. She worked at the parish for almost 30 years in several capacities, as a teacher, as a volunteer and as secretary for the School of Religion, finally retiring at the age of 80. She also founded the Children’s Liturgy Program providing an age appropriate experience for young parishioners as well as the Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Her legacy will live on through all of us. Heaven gained an Angel, but ours just relocated from Earth and we know she will be there to guide us, always. We love you more than lots GiGi! (630)529-5751.