Dorothy F. Koteles

Dorothy F. Koteles, 92, of Aurora, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 25, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in West Chicago. Dorothy attended Mount St. Mary’s High School in St. Charles where she was a star player on the basketball team. She entered St. Charles Hospital Nursing School in Aurora in 1946, at the age of 20, with the dream of becoming a war nurse. It was there that she met her life-long best friend, Marcella Peters. She graduated in August of 1948 and two weeks later, on August 14, she married the love of her life, John A. Koteles, O.D. Dorothy went to work as a nurse at St. Charles Hospital, initially in labor and delivery and later in newborn care. Upon its closing, she worked at Copley Memorial Hospital in the pediatrics department, eventually becoming its Head Nurse. After retiring from nursing after 40 years, Dorothy’s caring for children didn’t end. She went on to her new career as a substitute teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in Aurora, for the preschool program and first through eighth grades, until her second retirement at the age of 80. Dorothy enjoyed traveling, acting as hostess for family gatherings and holiday celebrations (where she was always the life of the party), playing with her pet cats, watching detective programs (she never tired of Perry Mason), completing Word Searches and spending time with her friends and family. She loved to meet new people and made new friends wherever she went, always leaving them with a smile and feeling better than they had before they met. She was a pillar of strength for the family, touching our lives with wisdom, support and unwavering love. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were a source of great pride. Dorothy was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church for 60 years, previously serving as Eucharistic Minister and on the Finance Council. Survivors include her sons, John P. (Mary) of Westwood, MA and Gary (Maureen) of Belvidere, IL; daughter, Lenore Jamieson of Aurora; eight grandchildren: Colin (Phyllis), Thomas, Katherine and Kevin Koteles; Michael (Amber) Koteles, Lauren (Bob) Lauer and Brittany Koteles; and Brendan Jamieson; two great grandsons, Jack and Holden Koteles; three great granddaughters, Lily Lauer and Charlotte and Payton Koteles; her two dear brothers, Thomas and Charles (Sandy) Fitzmaurice and her two loving sisters, Anne Marie and Dolores Fitzmaurice. A very heartfelt thank you to Anne and Dolores for the countless hours they spent each week since January, being with Dorothy in the hospital, then at the physical rehab facility and finally in helping to care for her at home. Words cannot express how truly grateful we are and how blessed our mother was to have you as her sisters. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Dr. John A. Koteles; her parents, Thomas and Anna Fitzmaurice; her brother, Richard Fitzmaurice; her sister, Marge Flores; and her infant daughter, Mary. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 22, 2017 from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY at 9:30 AM to St. Joseph Catholic Church at 10:00 AM. Fr. Jerome Leake will officiate with interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 21, 2017 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, IL 60506. 630-631-5500. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for Dorothy’s family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The National Children’s Cancer Society or to your local Animal Anti-Cruelty Society or shelter.

Dorothy F. Koteles

January 5, 1925 - May 16, 2017