Dorothy "Dot" Boksa

Dot valued family and to her, family was not just the people you were related to. Family was the people you shared your life with, the people who showed up, and the people who walked beside you along the way. Born August 18, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois, Dot spent her first 16 years in Franklin Park, Illinois. After graduating from Fruita High School in Colorado in 1947, she returned to Franklin Park, where her next chapter was about to begin.

Her first dance with Ralph Boksa was December 4, 1948 to “On a Slow Boat to China” and they never looked back. They married in 1950, and raised their family in the family home in Leyden Township, Illinois. During their 72 years of marriage, they traveled to all 50 states, 49 of them in their travel trailer.

She shared herself with others through the things she made and the care she gave. Quilting, sewing, knitting and cooking were more than hobbies; they were ways she showed her love.

During the last seven years of her life, Dot was surrounded by so many people who became part of her extended family, simply by walking alongside her on her journey home. And Dot remained Dot to the very end, always ready with her quick wit. She will be missed at Villa West, where no comment was safe from her playful banter. “How are you, Dot?” “I’m still here.” “How are you feeling today?” “With my hands.”

That was Dot.

Her life was a beautiful reminder that family is not defined only by who we are related to, but by who we love, who we care for, and who walks beside us. Dot leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, kindness, and cherished memories that will live on in all those who were fortunate enough to call her family.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Karen (Mark) Thompson of Buffalo, IL; daughter-in-law Bonnie (Stan) Zuidema of Green Bay, Wisconsin; grandsons Ben Thompson of Goose Creek, South Carolina and Charlie (Hannah) Thompson of Monticello, IL; granddaughter Brenda (Johnny) Nielsen of West Salem, Wisconsin and great-grand children Jack, Gracie and Sophia.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; twin sons, Will and Wayne Boksa, and her granddaughters, Maria Thompson and Megan Thompson.

Dorothy will be laid to rest beside Ralph in Mount Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 30, 10:00 am at Grace Community Fellowship, Buffalo.

Memorial contributions in memory of Dot may be made to the National Alzheimer's Association or Grace Community Fellowship.