Dorothy A. Paesani

Dorothy Anne Paesani, age 93, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and community member, formerly of Peoria Heights, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023, in Tamarac, FL.
Dorothy was born on August 2, 1930, in Clarksville, TN, the daughter of Smith M. and Mary Frances (Traughber) Keel. She married Dr. Curzio Paesani on October 10, 1953, in Clarksville, TN. He preceded her in death on November 23, 2005, in Peoria Heights, IL.
Dorothy is survived by three children, Pat (Darlene) Paesani of Santa Fe, NM, Michael (Judy) Paesani of Palm City, FL and Lisa (David) Dexter of Anchorage, AK; eight grandchildren, Kyle Paesani of Albuquerque, NM, Dylan Paesani of Santa Fe, NM, Matt Paesani of Palm City, FL, Anthony Paesani of Clarksville, TN, Alexandra Paesani of Dayton, OH, Rita Dexter of Houston, TX, and Angie and Brooke Dexter of Anchorage, AK; two great-grandchildren, Joseph Paesani and Evelyn Smith, two step-grandchildren: Tiffany Vastardis of Hollywood, FL and TJ Vastardis of South West Ranches, FL; as well as brother, Marty (Patty) Keel of Austin, TX.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one brother, Henry Keel.
Dorothy graduated from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN, with a degree in Physical Education. Dorothy and Curzio were longtime members of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Peoria Heights. She was a member and former President of the Dental Auxiliary and St. Thomas Women's Guild, former board member of the YWCA, Mental Health Association, OSF Women's Health Advisory Board and the OSF Community Clinic. Dorothy was also a member of Peoria District Dental Alliance, Panel of American Women, the Catholic Women's League and enjoyed being a Troop Leader for Lisa's Girl Scout Troop.
Dorothy enjoyed tennis, golf, swimming and traveling. She spent her later years traveling to her grandchildren's sporting events to cheer them on. She will be dearly missed by all.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 12, 2023. at St. Thomas Catholic Church, with a one hour prior visitation. Msgr. Jason Gray will officiate and burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery in Peoria, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Peoria Symphony Orchestra, St. Thomas Parish, OSF Foundation or OSF Hospice.
Friends and family may view full obituary and sign the online guestbook by logging on to www.wrightandsalmon.com.