Dorothy Yellen Obituary

Yellen, Dorothy A. (nee Hammel) Passed away on January 31, 2015, following a brief illness. Dorothy was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on April 17, 1924. She was preceded in her death by her beloved husband, Morris Yellen; her parents, Elise and Harry Hammel; and her brother, Philip. On July 7, 1945 she married Morris, with whom she shared 68 wonderful years. She is survived by their children, Marlo (Larry) Beeman of Bourbonnais, Jeffrey (John Yallech) Yellen of Rancho Mirage, CA, Larry (Susan) Yellen of Chicago, Harlene (William) Murry of Downers Grove, and Julie (Steve) Arshop of San Jose, CA. Dorothy was the adoring grandmother of David Beeman, Maggie Fisher-Yellen, Elise and Emma Murry, and Sammy Arshop. Dorothy was raised in Kenosha, in a home next to a lakefront park with several tennis courts. At a young age, she "managed" the courts there for a dime an hour. She later attended the University of Wisconsin and became a big sports fan who loved watching baseball, golf, football, tennis, basketball, and most of all, college basketball. During World War II, she worked as a nurses aid at a veteran's hospital in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Later, at Temple Am Echod in Waukegan, she was active in the Hadassah and Sisterhood. She was also a salesperson of men's clothing at several Waukegan stores, and helped take the U.S. Census every ten years. Dorothy enjoyed cooking, was a sharp bridge player, played mahjong, and loved the many family dogs that were a lifelong presence in her home. She also cherished her close friends from Kenosha, Waukegan and most recently at Kensington Court in Downers Grove. Dorothy took immense pride in the achievements of her children and her grandchildren, joining them every step of the way for their honors, graduations, sporting events, and careers. She was lovingly known to them as "Grandma Doll," or simply, "Doll." For her late husband Morris, she was a loving companion and the joy of his life. Dorothy's family wishes to express its everlasting thanks to Dr. Ray McKinney and the staff of McKinney Prosthetics, LLC in Gurnee. The family is also grateful for the loving care provided by Gerlay, who was Dorothy's caretaker in her final weeks. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday February 3, at PETERSON & PATCH Funeral Home, 408 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan, 847-623-0495. Service followed by private burial at Am Echod Cemetery, 3050 Grand Ave., Waukegan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515. www.wshsdg.org.