Dolores Loretta Grochocki, age 96, of Niles, IL passed away peacefully in her home on May 14, 2025.
She was born on November 8, 1928, to Stanley and Pearl (Stawicki) Stawicki in Chicago, where she was raised along with her siblings Irene, Walter, and Edward. She attended St. Stanislaus Kostka elementary school and Wells High School, both in Chicago where she met Addie, Ceil, Dell, and Josie who remained dear, lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and cherished childhood friends.
Dolores met her husband Raymond Julian Grochocki while 'shopping' at the local hardware store he owned. The couple wed on January 29, 1949, in Chicago. Dolores, known as 'Dee' to family and friends, and Ray continued to reside in Chicago where they raised their two children, Claudia and David. After 25 years, they moved to Niles, IL where they both worked and enjoyed their lives together until Ray's passing in 2001.
Dee enjoyed working during her life and had jobs at Paddor's Ladies' Apparel in her early days, then Irving Press in Chicago and finally at Cook Electric in Niles where she worked until she retired. She loved people and made many dear friends along the way, especially Dolly and Cindy.
Dee was a devoted member of St. John Brebeuf in Niles and an active participant in many activities at the Niles Senior Center. She enjoyed swimming classes, bowling leagues, and senior bus trips. A favorite gift to 'Grannie' often included a new lucky charm that she would put in her purse when she visited a casino on one of her trips. In her later years, Dee enjoyed getting together with her local friends for card games and lunches. She was incredibly grateful for the kindness and support of her dear neighbors, Don and Eileen, who would always be there for her. Dee loved reading People magazines until her eyesight failed her and enjoyed discussing the latest episodes of America's Got Talent and The Bachelor with her grandchildren.
Most of all, Dee was devoted to her family. She was a doting Grannie and never missed a game, a recital, a band concert, or an academic achievement. She babysat, planned family vacations, loved dinner theater outings, went on mom/daughter shopping sprees, and taught everyone how to play Kings in the Corner. Christmas Eve was her favorite holiday, and she always had a cookie in her pocket for our furry pets. She loved talking on the phone, but everyone knew not to call Grannie at 4 pm when Judge Judy was on!
Dolores was preceded in death by her late husband, Raymond Grochocki, and survived by her two children Claudia Mahnke and David (Sheryl) Grochocki, her grandchildren Christopher (Maribel) Mahnke, Daniel (Carrie) Mahnke, Douglas (Julie) Mahnke, David Grochocki Jr, Abigail Grochocki, Chelsea Grochocki, Michael Grochocki, and Melissa (Grochocki) Neil. She was blessed with great-grandchildren Cole, Owen, Henry, Emily, Aidan, Leslie, and Jhanny.
Dee made friends wherever she went and will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew her.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the hospice team from Journey Care for their compassionate care and support as well as to her wonderful live-in caregiver, Victoria, who provided unwavering dedication and kindness, easing the burden for both Dolores and her family.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 22 at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 North Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, Illinois 60714, from 4 pm until 8 pm. Prayers will begin at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home on Friday May 23 at 9:15 a.m. and proceed to St. John Brebeuf Church for a 10 a.m. Mass. Interment St. Adalbert Cemetery. Funeral Information 847-966-7302 or www.skajafuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation online at American Macular Degeneration Foundation or by mail at American Macular Degeneration Foundation, PO Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515.
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