Dorothy Ann Wilkinson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Dorothy Ann Wilkinson (née Gartner), on September 30 at the age of 93, in Bloomingdale, IL. She previously lived in Park Ridge for 60 years before moving to Sunrise Assisted Living of Bloomingdale in 2022, following her dementia diagnosis. Known to many as “Dottie,” our mother led a life that showcased her many talents. She was truly one of a kind, almost a force of nature. She was strong-willed, quick-witted, and full of love. Dottie was a devoted wife and proud mother of three (despite being told she’d never have children).

She survived a life-threatening bout of rheumatic fever just before penicillin became widely available, modeled as the “7-Up Girl” in her teens, graduated from Lane Tech High School in 1946, and went on to attend Wright Junior College. It was at her first job where she met her husband, William L. Wilkinson, whom she married in 1952. Throughout her life, Dottie was active in her church communities, including North Shore Baptist Church, Park Ridge Baptist Church, and the First Presbyterian Church of Park Ridge. She volunteered to visit homebound congregants and especially enjoyed working in the church nurseries. She was also an avid Pinochle and Bridge player who loved hosting friends for lively card games. Once her children were in high school and college, she launched a second career at Abitibi-Price, where she worked for 10 years before retiring.

Her final chapter was devoted to welcoming her six grandchildren into the next generation of the family, while also enjoying travel, including a memorable journey to Machu Picchu, Peru, to visit her lifelong best friend, Inge Valencia. Dorothy remained active well into her late eighties, working out at Curves, walking daily, and hosting family Sunday and holiday dinners. Dottie was loved by so many for her caring heart and genuine interest in the lives of everyone she met. She nurtured her extended family with love, support, hugs, attention, and unforgettable food. Her yeast rolls were heavenly, her Christmas cookies a highlight of every holiday, and her kitchen a place of comfort and joy. Her love of sunshine matched her bright personality, and she cherished trips to the Coastal Carolinas, Fort Lauderdale, Estes Park, Colorado, and the California coast. Against all odds, she overcame more than her share of medical challenges and lived a long, beautiful life. Her generosity touched countless hearts, and she will be deeply missed.

Dorothy is survived by her three children: William Wilkinson (Mariann) of Bloomingdale, Cindy Brady (her late husband, Kevin) of Naperville, and Patti Toole (W. Tim) of Denver. She is also survived by six grandchildren (Bradley Wilkinson, Darcey Wilkinson, Ali Brady, Timothy Toole, Lainey Toole, and W. Griffin Toole) and one great-grandson (Casey Wilkinson). She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William, in 1999.

A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 405 Rush Street, Roselle, on October 18, 2025 with visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. A private burial at Irving Park Cemetery will be held separately.

In lieu of flowers donations are asked to be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Dorothy's memory.