Dorothy Puracchio

Dorothy June Puracchio

Age 90 of Wilmington and formerly of Joliet, passed away Saturday, March 10, 2018 at home.

Born March 28, 1927 in Joliet, Dorothy June was the daughter of Elmer and Myrtle (nee Peterson) Swanke. She was raised and educated in Joliet and graduated from Joliet Township High School with the class of 1945. On September 24, 1950 Dorothy married Thomas Puracchio in Joliet, where they made their home and raised their family until moving to Wilmington in the early sixties.

Dorothy was a lively and independent spirit who could be found chopping down trees, climbing ladders, and driving well into her eighties and beyond. She found the positive in every situation and every person she met, and always had colorful stories to share about her childhood and those she loved. She lived life to the fullest by taking pleasure in gardening, watching the birds, and enjoying her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for many things, but especially for her kindness, quick wit, selflessness and love for her family. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her three children: Mark (Sheryl) Puracchio of Wilmington, Sue Lockwood of Herscher and Thomas L. (Dori) Puracchio of Champaign; ten grandchildren: Damon (Nicole), Kyle (Katie), Joseph, Louis, Elise (Ryan), Scott, Sara, Sean, Aaron (Breanna) and Connor; four great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters; sister-in-law: Mary (the late Richard) Pisha; daughter-in-law: Betty Puracchio; special nephews: Randy Hulina and Jerry (Linda) Hulina, as well as many dear friends and neighbors who meant the world to her.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 56 years Thomas, her son James, her infant sister Norma Evelyn and her dear cousins Dolores "Topsy" Hulina and Carolyn McInaney.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington. Funeral Services will follow Friday morning,March 16, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Reverend Bradley Shumaker will officiate.

Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, where Dorothy will be laid to rest with her late husband Thomas.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Dorothy’s memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/give.html.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Dorothy's memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington (815) 476-2181