Dorothea A. Bozza

Dorothea A. "Dot/Nana" Bozza, a vibrant and loving soul, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, at the age of 90. A cherished resident of Des Plaines, Illinois since 1962, Dot was born on September 5, 1934, in New York, New York to the late Frank and Rose (nee Guissie) Beechey. Raised in Palisades Park, New Jersey, she carried with her the warmth and kindness that would touch the lives of everyone she met.
Dot was the heart and soul of her family, beloved mother to Danny, who preceded her to heavens gate, Dennis (Jennifer), Denise, Doug (Mary), Darci (Curt), Darren, and Dawn. Her love extended far and wide as she was an ever-present and adoring grandmother to Ryan (Bridget), Casey (Autumn), Chloe, Rebecca, Christina, Kelly, Michael, Shannon, Emma, Molly, Justin, Kyle, Claire, Tate, Jett, Quinn, and Bo, and a proud great-grandmother to Lundy, Richard, Day, Emmett, Zeke, Manny, and Ava. She held each of them close with unyielding devotion, offering a steady hand and a listening ear.
A loving sister to Tom (Emie) and the late Rosemary and Joan, Dot's warm spirit also touched the hearts of her extended family, including her dear nieces and nephews-Duncan, Laura, Christopher (Samantha), Diane (Bob), Tommy (Debbie), and Donna (Jeff). Her heart was always open, and her home was a sanctuary for all.
Dot's life was rooted in faith. A steadfast member of St. Martin's Episcopal Church, she devoted herself to serving her community in countless ways. In March of 2020, Dot became a founding member of the Noon Day Prayer Zoom meeting-a role she held dear. She was online daily; faithfully offering prayers of healing and sharing the word of God with others. Her commitment to spreading love and hope was unwavering.
Those who knew Dot best recall her remarkable talent for writing heartfelt cards and letters. Whether near or far, she sent words of encouragement, wisdom, and love, often crafted as beautiful poems, tailored to the specific needs of those she cared for. Her words were always a reminder of her deep affection and her belief in the power of connection.
Dot lived her life with boundless compassion, grace, and humility. She believed in the path that God has called each of us to walk, and she followed that path with open arms, always ready to offer forgiveness, understanding, and love. She embraced others, no matter the circumstances, with an unshakable belief in second chances. Her life was a testament to selflessness and unwavering devotion.
Dot's presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched.
A memorial service in honor of Dot's remarkable life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, with visitation at 3:00 PM and a celebration of life service following at 4:00 PM at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 1095 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines, Illinois. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Dot's name to St. Martin's Episcopal Church. Funeral arrangements are being provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For further information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com