Dorothy "Dor" Catalano Keleher, age 97, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, on November 2, 2021.

Born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, Dor was the daughter of Sicilian immigrants, Liborio "Frank" Catalano and Maria Grazie "Grace" Catalano. She grew up with her younger sister and brother, Jeanette "Jay" and Franklin. Dor graduated from Rosary College (now Dominican University) in River Forest, with a degree in dietary science.

She met her husband, John "Jack" T. Keleher, at a youth group for social justice. After the meetings, the group would gather around and sing, with Dor playing the piano and Jack harmonizing. They married and raised ten children. Dor was a longtime resident of Elmhurst, and later, Hillside, when Jack became a Cook County Circuit Court judge.

A passionate advocate for racial justice and social equality, Dor was actively involved in the civil rights movement and a member of the Elmhurst Human Relations Council. She was an avid gardener, a tennis player until age 75, and a lover of the arts. Dor's family gatherings always included music, dancing, storytelling and home-cooked Italian meals.

Dor will be remembered for her wisdom, her kindness and her compassion. She had the extraordinary ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her enduring mission in life was to reach out and make a positive difference in the world.

Dor is survived by her 10 children: Susan (Bernie), Brian (Myrna), Patrice (Jim), Janet (Dan), Brendan (Mary), Sheila, Colleen (Dennis), Terrence, Miles (Michele), and Neil (Dorota); her 18 grandchildren: Alex, Maura (Sam), Michael, Clare, Madeline, Shannon (Mark), Katrina, Kiana, Caleigh, Fiona, Evelyn, Nathan, Alana, Cara, Julia (Diego), Jas (Molly), Jeremy and Milena; and her great-grandchildren, Leigh and Shea. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, as well as her longtime loving caregivers, Marilyn and Lorna. Dor is preceded in death by her husband Jack; grandchildren Keisha and Andy; siblings Jay and Franklin; and her parents Grace and Frank.

A private memorial will be held by the family. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association .