Toni Dewey Obituary

Dewey, Toni 86, of Evanston IL, died July 16, 2014 at Three Crowns Park Hospice in Evanston. Born February 18, 1928, in Chicago IL. She attended St. Gregory Elementary School and High School in the Edgewater neighborhood. She was Junior Girls Champion in tennis of the Chicago Park District and editor of her high school newspaper. She attended Northern Illinois University and the University of Colorado in Boulder. She is survived by her husband, Victor J. Danilov; a son from a previous marriage, Thomas (Kathy) Dewey; a stepdaughter, Denise; and stepson, Duane; a sister, Connie (George) Hays; nephews, George (Amy), Stephen (Dapne), John, Paul (Jessica); grandnieces, Katy and Julia; grandnephews from Ireland, Kyla, Odin, Dorian, Ava, Darragh and Caodhan. Preceded in death by niece, Megan; and grandnephew, Tony. Private burial at Calvary Cemetery, Evanston, with Fr. John Cusick, OSP of Chicago presiding. Donations to NorthShore University Hospice, 2650 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 appreciated. Toni Dewey was a champion crusader for women in the workplace in her volunteer activities as well as in her professional life. In 1975, she became the first female corporate Vice President of Motorola, the multinational telecommunications giant that, until its dissolution in 2011, was based in Schaumburg. For 12 years, she directed its worldwide public relations and advertising strategies, traveling extensively in Asia and in Europe. Ms. Dewey was one of a small group of female executives who 35 years ago founded the Chicago Network, a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering other women. Their goal was to rival the traditional "ole boys" networks of men helping each other climb the corporate ladders. Today, the Chicago Network has more than 400 members, leaders in Chicago's business, professional, cultural and educational communities. After her retirement from Motorola in 1987, Ms. Dewey and her husband, Victor J. Danilov, former president and director of Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, moved to Boulder, Colorado. There they worked together for nine years developing the Women of the West Museum. The first museum in the nation dedicated to the history of women of all cultures in the American West, In 2002 the museum merged with the Autry National Center in Los Angeles. Ms. Dewey and her husband returned to the Chicago Area in 2006, settling in Evanston. She loved being back in Chicago and always made time for her favorite leisure-time activities. She had a wonderfully eclectic list of them, according to Lois Wille, who met Toni Dewey when Wille was beginning her newspaper career at the Chicago Daily News and Ms. Dewey was working at the Des Plaines Journal. Her friend of 55 years was a voracious reader of biographies, histories, fine novels and poetry, Wille said. She loved the White Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks, progressive politics, Chicago's lakefront museums, especially the Art Institute and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Toni was smart and funny and an inveterate optimist. She and her sister, Connie, loved to explore the city together. They took classes at Northwestern, movies at Block Gallery, concerts at the Cultural Center and the wildlife wherever they were. One of the last great vacations together was a trip to Berlin. Connie and Toni shared an interest in stories of their clan and others. "She is my spiritual and emotional doppelganger and she will be with me always," said her sister, Connie.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jul. 20, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Toni Dewey

Not sure what to say?





Think of you always, whenever I wear turquoise jewelry we shopped for together in Boulder..miss you...Ronne

Ronne Hartfield

Friend

July 13, 2020

Toni Dewey, a truly wonderful woman I have never forgotten for over forty years. I was a secretary at North Advertising when Toni was there, and she truly was a role model.

Kay Bertholdt

July 29, 2014

She was my role model

July 29, 2014

goodbye, sweet Toni

CONNIE AND GEORGE HAYS

July 23, 2014

May you rest in peace. You will be remembered in our prayers and the wonderful work you have put your hand to . May your family be comforted at this sad time. The Irish connection.

Denise Maxwell

July 22, 2014

You were a wonderful woman and have left a very important legacy. Thank you for all your efforts,Toni. Love, your cousin Carol Rappel

July 21, 2014

To our beautiful Aunt Toni. Thank you for your warmth, laughter and all your wonderful stories. You will always be in our hearts.
Paul, Jess and Finley (Oakland, CA)

July 21, 2014

My deepest sympathy to her family. I know she will be greatly missed

Carol Steinhauer

July 21, 2014

Toni Dewey was a treasured friend, and her gifts to the world, especially to women's empowerment, are a legacy to be celebrated.

Ronne Hartfield

July 21, 2014

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in Toni Dewey's name

Memorial Events
for Toni Dewey

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Toni's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Toni Dewey's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more