Dolores "Lorie” Grandt, 87 of Prospect Heights and former resident of Wheeling, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Saturday evening, January 2, 2016.
She was born October 1, 1928 in Chicago, the second daughter of Roy and Agnes (Linneborn) Brewer. She grew up in Chicago, graduated from Shurz High School, and worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Co. as a switchboard operator. She met her husband, Edward "Gordon" Grandt in a soda shop, they fell in love and were united in marriage on October 29, 1947. The couple built and made their home in Wheeling for many years, raised their family of 4 daughters, and later moved to Prospect Heights.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Karen Grandt of Long Grove, Illinois, Regina (Greg) Drake of Belleville, Michigan and Reva Powell and Karla (Kevin) Mowers both of Huntley, Illinois, her grandchildren, Amanda and Meghan McLenon, Robert Powell, Amy Lee, her great-grandchildren, Caitlyn, Emily, Hailey, & Allison Khon, Jackson, Lauren, & Emma Powell , Austin and Kaden Lee, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Gordon, her sister, June Bredar and her son-in-law, Lloyd D. Powell.
She also leaves behind her beloved "grand dogs", Ginger & Dewey, Zoe & Lexi ,Webbster, and the late Maya. She was an avid dog lover. Her love for dogs was so strong that she became the owner of many in her lifetime, and that love evolved into operating a home based custom dog boarding business for over 45 years.
She continued to board dogs until a little over a year ago when her health would no longer allow it. That was very hard for her to accept since she absolutely loved taking care of dogs, but she got fulfillment from her family's dogs and being a loyal contributor to many animal rescue and welfare organizations.
She loved animals, wildlife, birds, and nature. She loved feeding and watching her birds and squirrels every day; enjoyed her beautiful backyard; her home; and especially visits with her daughters.
She was a devoted wife, cherished mother, proud grandmother, loyal and respected friend. She was an exceptional woman and an amazing person. She was gracious; fun; had a great sense of humor; compassionate; forgiving; supportive; generous; understanding; caring; loving; and was always there for her family.
She will be missed beyond measure by her daughters and by one grand dog in particular, Webbster who spent a great deal of time with her in the past few years.
She will be remembered fondly by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.
Our hearts feel empty and full of sorrow, yet we are grateful to have had you for our mother and are proud to be your daughters. That we will forever treasure.
Mom, we will miss your smile, your laughter, the sparkle in your eyes, our conversations, your words of wisdom.....but above all, your presence.
In lieu of flowers, we ask donations be made in our mothers memory to one of her favorite animal welfare organizations or another of your choosing, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741-5000. As Good As Gold, Golden Retriever Rescue of Illinois P.O. Box 533, Wheeling, IL 60090. Animal House Shelter, 13005 Ernesti Road, Huntley,IL 60142
Internment is private, A family memorial gathering is being planned for a later date.
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I will miss you Aunt Lorie. Your daughters are a true reflection of who you were as a mother and woman. Your wonderful sense of humor and your laughter will be one thing I will remember the most. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Larry and Judi