Dixie Ann Domanico

Dixie (née Rudolph) Domanico, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, passed peacefully in her sleep at the Cottages in Fox Lake, Illinois, on November 25, 2025 at the age of 87. Born to Julia (née Krochmolny) and Eugene Holland Rudolph in June 1938 in Chicago, she was sister to Michael (d. 2024) and Eugene Rudolph (Sharon). She spent her childhood surrounded by a large extended family, including her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. As the eldest, she helped her beloved grandmother care for the cousins and remained close to many of them. She spent her high school years in the Paducah, KY area near her father's relations. She was a cheerleader and a good friend to many in her community.
Upon her return to Chicago, she worked at Sears where she met her husband, Ralph N. Domanico. They married in 1956 and had 69 years together before Ralph died in November 2024. They had 4 children including Debra (Tom Kern), Ralph, Michael and Denise, six grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and godchildren. Dixie had an affinity for children and could relate to them on their level, which made her an exceptional grandmother to Andrew and Rebecca Kern, Natalie, Jackson, Daniel and Madelyn Thirtle, and great-grandmother to Madison, Hannah, and Zoey Kern.
Dixie was a homemaker and devoted to her family. Dixie resided in Lakeland Estates in Lake Barrington from 1977 until she and Ralph moved to assisted living in 2023. Several weeks ago, she took a turn for the worst and passed peacefully surrounded by family.
Dixie had a great zest for life - enjoying her family, friends, home decor, holidays, family pets, and entertaining. She curated a collection of costume jewelry and vintage clothing she acquired over decades of thrifting, frequenting garage sales and visiting her favorite shops. She operated a small antiques business.
She was quick to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She and Ralph were active members of the Transfiguration Catholic Church, including serving as CCD instructors and as lay ministers.
Dixie will be sorely missed. Her loved ones take comfort and solace in knowing that she will be reunited in death with Ralph and that they will dwell in perpetual grace, love and peace.
A visitation will be held at Kisselburg Funeral Home in Wauconda on December 2, 2025 from 9:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Entombment will immediately follow at St. Michael's Cemetery in Palatine, IL.