Obituaries

Dolores Marie Christensen (née Stevens) glided through the doors of heaven early in the morning on Monday, April 4, into the loving arms of her husband Gary, who had been waiting up for her. She then undoubtedly set about tidying up the place, cooking a meal for Gary, and arranging a bridge game with all her dear pals who preceded her.

Dolores was born September 27, 1932, to Mary (Fleming) and Harry Stevens in Chicago, IL. She was preceded in death by Gary, her soulmate and husband of 63 years, and her beloved brothers Harry and Gerald and their wives. Dolores is survived by her children John (Sue) of Wheaton, Mary (Bob) Wittig of St. Charles, Jean (partner Dave) of Burr Ridge, Therese (Dave) Danner of St. Charles, and Tom (Melissa) of Wheaton; her brother James (Pat) of Mesa, AZ; 16 adoring grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren (and another to come in May).

Dolores met the love of her life and lifelong partner J. Gary Christensen while she was at Mundelein College and he was at Loyola. They instantly fell in love and spent the rest of their lives together laughing and enjoying the journey, inseparable in work, play, and prayer until his passing in 2020. She and Gary together exuded energy, fun, loving care for others, and a can-do spirit that rarely allowed the word “no” to surface.

Dolores worked as an elementary school teacher until her children started arriving, after which she stayed home to care for her family. Dolores was an awe-inspiring homemaker whom we all felt could have been the CEO of any major company if she wished, renowned for her savvy intelligence and practical wisdom, and efficient ability to get things done and done right.

But God and family always came first, and Dolores lived to love and serve others. She always “kept the lights on,” making sure everyone felt the warmth of a welcoming home, scrumptious home-cooked meals, a fresh and cozy bed, and lunchboxes filled with tasty favorites. When Gary would get home, even in the wee small hours of the night after delivering babies, Dolores never failed to fix him a meal and sit down to hear his stories and catch up on the day.

Dolores loved to host gatherings with family, friends, and neighbors, and fill the home with people and love and laughter. Her athletic prowess was apparent in her tennis and golf games, her vast knowledge served her well in her favorite “relaxation” activity of crossword puzzles, she could often beat Jeopardy contestants to the answer, and she was an ace bridge player who mostly loved the game for the time spent with her girlfriends. She was an accomplished pianist and while it was a rare treat to hear her play, she did so many times at Christmas as the family gathered and sang carols. Her sense of style, class, and hard work ethic inspired all those around her.

Dolores led by example and taught her children to be disciplined and self-reliant, to demand excellence in themselves, and to focus on what mattered in life. Adored as Nana by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were always coming over for a visit, Dolores has inspired generations to come with her love.

Visitation will be held from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Saturday at Yurs Funeral Home 405 E Main Street St. Charles.  Funeral Mass will be 1:30 P.M. Saturday at St. Patrick 408 Cedar Street St. Charles. Burial Mt. Carmel Cemetery Hillside, Il.

In lieu of flowers, a gift can be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Mary’s Home in Chicago. https://www.littlesistersofthepoorchicago.org/donate-to-st-marys-home/.

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