Dorothy Theresa Leyendecker

Dorothy T. Leyendecker, a vibrant spirit with a heart full of love and a life well-lived, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024, at the age of 93. Born in Chicago, IL, Dorothy grew up exploring the parks surrounding the Windy City and the shores of Lake Michigan, where she and her friends would spend hours adventuring and laughing. Those early years shaped her into the energetic and outgoing person we all knew and loved.

After graduating from St. Elizabeth’s Nursing School in Chicago, Dorothy began her lifelong career as a registered nurse, bringing comfort and care to those in need. She even took her nursing skills on the road—literally—working for the B&O railroad, which she often said was one of her favorite jobs. Fluent in Polish, Dorothy could switch between languages with ease, adding yet another unique charm to her already impressive skill set.

An accomplished skier and figure skater in her younger years, Dorothy had a love for life that extended well beyond her professional achievements. She was passionate about writing, and her short stories and poems often found their way into magazines and newspapers. Dorothy’s love for words was rivaled only by her green thumb. Her garden was the envy of many, and her cooking? Unrivaled! Anyone lucky enough to have tasted her traditional German and Polish meals knew that her Thanksgiving turkey soup was legendary—no one has yet come close to replicating it.

Dorothy was also a woman of many hobbies, from collecting old books to refurbishing antiques, and she had an absolute blast Polka dancing with her husband, Richard. Her grandchildren remember her as the queen of treasure hunts and silly games, always finding ways to keep them entertained and smiling. She was a warm and outgoing soul, always ready to meet new people and lend a helping hand wherever needed.

Even in her later years, Dorothy remained a force to be reckoned with—she proudly completed the Peachtree 10K race in her 60s, proving once again that age was just a number to her.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her father, Walter; her mother, Julia; her brothers, Eugene and Charles; her sister, Judy; and her beloved husband, Richard. She is survived by her sons, Robert and John, and her cherished grandchildren, Michael, Bridget, Kate, and Kara. Her love for her family was boundless, and they will forever treasure the memories of her warmth, wit, and generosity.

As Dorothy would often say in Polish, "Niech żyje miłość, śmiech i życie"—"Long live love, laughter, and life." And that’s exactly how she lived hers, embracing every moment with joy and a little bit of Polka dancing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local Humane Society or animal shelter—Dorothy loved animals and supported their care throughout her life. Though she has left us, her love, humor, and indomitable spirit will remain with us always, like one of her perfectly crafted stories that stays with you long after the final chapter.