Dorothy Marie Flannery
June 20, 1927 - December 13, 2024
Dorothy Marie Flannery Obituary
Dorothy Marie Flannery (née Johnson), 97, of LaGrange Park, passed away peacefully December 13, 2024. Born on June 20, 1927, in Chicago, she was the beloved daughter of the late Frank and Theresa (Daisy) Johnson. Dorothy was a devoted sister to the late Eileen Kozlowski, Jim Johnson (Carol), and Larry Johnson (the late Diana). She was also a cherished sister-in-law to the late John and Catherine Flannery, and the late Eileen and Richard Helfenbein. Dorothy led a life rich in passion, creativity, and deep devotion to her family. She was a loving wife to her beloved husband, Ed, with whom she shared 51 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they created a family built on love, respect, and shared values. Dorothy took great pride in raising her six children—Dr. Ann (Peter Kobe), Kathleen Brummet (Richard), Michael (Lori), Maureen Blaber (Mark), Jim (Lyn), and Julie Beck (Dave). She also adored being a doting grandmother to Kelly (Doug), Ryan (Kelly), Caroline (Andrew), Kate, Rob (Brittany), Jack (Jane), Christopher, Brendan, Kim, Erin, Will, Drew, Matt, Dan, Mick, Mary, and Eddie, and a cherished great-grandmother to Owen, Luke, Jackson, Carly, Faye, Ellie, and Shane. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them. A graduate of St. Constance High School in Chicago, Dorothy's journey with Ed began when they met at a roller rink when she was just 16. Over the next 62 years, Dorothy and Ed raised their family in Park Ridge. She was an active member of Mary Seat of Wisdom Parish, where she volunteered on many committees and served as President of the Council of Catholic Women. Ed and Dorothy also shared a love of travel, exploring places like Japan, Russia, Canada, and Europe. They often traveled with family and friends, enjoying learning about new cultures and traditions. Dorothy was a woman of many talents and interests, one of her greatest being her love for gardening. As a Master Gardener, she spent countless hours creating and maintaining beautiful gardens, including her own landscaping business in Park Ridge. Dorothy's work extended to the gardens of the Park Ridge Historic House and the Vial House in Indian Head Park. One of her proudest accomplishments was designing the Mary Garden at Mary Seat of Wisdom Church, a project that reflected her deep connection to nature. Dorothy’s love for gardening began in childhood when she helped her grandmother tend to a victory garden, and it grew into a lifelong passion. She saw plants and flowers as an artistic medium, transforming spaces and bringing joy to all who encountered them. In addition to her gardening, Dorothy had a competitive streak. She was an avid golfer and bowler, continuing to enjoy both activities well into her 90s. Known for her sharp skills, she was just as admired for her kindness and sportsmanship as for her ability to excel in these sports. Dorothy also had a fun-loving passion for slot machines, and she would often share stories of her wins and losses with a sparkle in her eye. Dorothy was also a gifted artist. She used her creativity to paint watercolor scenes, lighted bottles, and, more recently, mixed-media butterflies on canvas. In her later years, she began raising Monarch butterflies, and created a butterfly garden at Bethlehem Woods. Dorothy was a beloved teacher in this endeavor, sharing her knowledge and passion for Monarchs with others. She could often be found with a butterfly cage in her lap, awaiting the magical moment when a chrysalis would emerge. Her artwork, much like her life, was full of color, warmth, and expression, and she loved sharing her creations with others. Her artistic legacy will live on through the lives she touched and the beautiful pieces she left behind. Dorothy’s legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, and all who were touched by her warmth, generosity, and zest for life. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her. A visitation will be held at Adolf & Powell Funeral Home, located at 7000 South Madison Street, Willowbrook, IL, on December 26, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A celebration of life will take place on December 27, 2024 at 9:30 AM in the gathering space at Mary Seat of Wisdom Parish, 920 Granville Ave, Park Ridge, IL. This will be followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. In Lieu of Flowers: Donations may be made online to https://monarchjointventure.org/donate. Arrangements by Adolf & Powell Funeral Home.
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Dorothy Marie Flannery (née Johnson), 97, of LaGrange Park, passed away peacefully December 13, 2024. Born on June 20, 1927, in Chicago, she was the beloved daughter of the late Frank and Theresa (Daisy) Johnson. Dorothy was a devoted sister to the late Eileen Kozlowski, Jim Johnson (Carol), and Larry Johnson (the late Diana). She was als