Dolores Streff Obituary

Streff, Dolores Butler

Dolores Butler Streff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 19 in Naperville, IL, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She was born in Chicago, IL on November 24, 1932 to the late Timothy and Peg Butler, both Irish immigrants. She lived most of her life in Woodridge, IL.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Vincent, to whom she was married for 62 years, and her beloved sister Loretta Barry (Michael) as well as her beloved sister-in-law Helen (Streff) Cico and brother-in-law, Peter G. Cico Jr.

She is survived by her beloved family: daughters Peg Foltz (Jeff), Jennifer Streff, Kate Yedwofski (Paul Michael), and Sheila Streff; son Paul Streff (Amanda Martin); grandchildren Ruth Foltz, Nora Foltz, and Nathan Yedwofski; youngest sister Noelle Butler-Reed (the late Bud Reed); sister-in-law Dorothy Streff and brother-in-law Joseph (Mary) Streff; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dolores graduated from Mercy High School on Chicago's south side in 1950. She earned a Bachelor of Education with an emphasis on Music from Chicago Teachers College in 1954, graduating with Scholastic Honors. Although she studied education she was an actress at heart and loved performing in plays for which she received many accolades. After graduation, she taught music in the Chicago Public Schools for 2 years. Longing for something more, she called her cherished friend Mary Lou Mockus (wife of the late Tony Mockus) who helped her obtain a position at WTTW-TV in Chicago, where she met her loving husband Vincent. Later, Dolores worked as a third-grade and fourth-grade teacher in Woodridge for many years. After retirement, she maintained long-time relationships with her fellow teachers and friends in a group self-titled "Legends." She was also able to re-engage with her passion of acting and her love of old radio shows by becoming an actress in the radio group "Those Were the Days," which her husband Vincent also took an active role in as technical coordinator.

She will be remembered for her devotion to her family especially her grandchildren; her love of music & singing - especially music from the 40s and Broadway musicals; and her devout Catholic faith. Even at the end, Alzheimer's didn't take away her recognition of those she loved although it took a great deal from her. She was loved dearly by family, friends and students and will be greatly missed.

Wake will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 from 3PM-8PM at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301 75th St., Downers Grove, IL. A prayer service will be at the funeral home Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 9:30AM followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM at St. Scholastica Church, 7800 Janes Ave., Woodridge, IL. Funeral home phone (630) 964-6500 or www.hjfunerals.com. Donations to Alzheimer's Association or Catholic Charities are welcomed.

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