Joliet Philanthropist Passes Away

A legend in Joliet has passed away. Joliet philanthropist Dorothy Brown has died at the age of 96. She and her late husband LaVerne “Bitz” Brown donated millions to catholic universities, schools and also donated to medical facilities. Including Silver Cross Hospital. Dorothy served as Secretary of the Silver Cross Foundation Board for many, years. She was also a member of Childerguild for the past 68 years raising money for women & children services. Both Dottie and her late husband Bitz were ardent supports of Silver Cross providing not one – but two legacy gifts over the past 20 years. In 2001, the Brown’s bequeathed a transformational gift to create the LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Cardiovascular Institute at Silver Cross Hospital.

Also, thanks to the Brown’s donation the new science building at the University of St. Francis was named in their honor. The LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall.

Funeral arrangements and memorial services are pending.