Funeral Set For Joliet Philanthropist

Funeral arrangements are set for Dorothy Mae “Dottie” Brown. Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory will handle the arrangements. On Friday, November 15, 2019, Dorothy Mae Brown will Lie in State at the site of her baptism, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 404 N. Hickory Street, Joliet, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00 a.m. Enshrinement will follow at Resurrection Mausoleum in Romeoville.

Mrs. Brown passed away peacefully in her Joliet home, 96 years after she was born in her parents’ home on Highland Avenue in 1923.  She was a member of the Joliet Township High School Class of ’41, a lifelong parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, and one of the last of the Great Generation of Jolietans who made the city what it is today.  Dottie and her late husband were strong advocates for Joliet and Will County, renowned for their philanthropy and tireless dedication to local education, health care, and service to the needy.

She and her late husband LaVerne “Bitz” Brown donated millions to catholic universities, schools and also donated to medical facilities.

For the last 60 years, Dottie has been a driving force in a number of local non-profit service organizations. Joliet Area Community Hospice, Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, The University of St. Francis, Lewis University, Joliet Catholic Academy, Providence High School, The Silver Cross Foundation, St. Joseph Hospital, Childerguild, and the Diocese of Joliet are just some of the entities that have benefitted from generous gifts of both time and treasure by Dottie and Bitz Brown. In lieu of flowers, donations to any of the organizations listed above will be appreciated.

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