Dolores F Zubek

Dolores “Lori” Frances Zubek (née Lorenz), 97, of Chicago, Illinois passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, July 24, 2026. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John George Zubek, her devoted parents, Theresa and Frank, six brothers and two sisters; She is survived by six children and their spouses, Judith (Bill), Matthew (Nancy), Mary (Michael), Laura (Thomas), Mark (Kim), and Luke (Sue);16 grandchildren and three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Dolores graduated from St. Augustine High School and attended Moser Business College, Chicago in 1946. She was employed as a secretary at Armour and Company for eight years. She possessed an interest in healthcare and worked evenings as a volunteer Nurse’s Aide at Cook County Hospital for three years.

Lori and her sweetheart Johnny were married on May 17, 1952 at St. Augustine Church, Chicago. They lived in their well-established Chicago home for nearly 40 years where they raised their six children. Creating a nourishing, loving environment was important to them; over the years they welcomed friends, extended family, neighbors, and anyone who needed a meal or a place to stay. Throughout those years she and John were active members of St. Mary Star of the Sea parish. They participated as leaders sharing faith, service and fellowship. Dolores was also employed at St Mary Star of the Sea elementary school for ten years. She had a variety of responsibilities as assistant to the principal and even directed a school production. Later she would serve as Eucharistic Minister of St. Terrence Church in Alsip, IL.

Dolores will be remembered for her unconditional devotion to her family and passionate love of life. She was a leader in the Camp Fire Girls and a Den Mother in Cub Scouts, and she stayed deeply involved in her children lives. She had a love for adventure and traveled with her family to all but three of the United States in a pop up camper and station wagon. Determined to share her passion for physical activities, she taught her children to enjoy many different sports; swimming, roller skating, ice skating, and snow skiing, to name a few. Dolores continued to ski into her 80’s. She encouraged her children to pursue their creativity and intuition in the arts, reading, singing, dancing, gardening, and celebrating family traditions. An avid believer in learning and education, she received her college degree at the age of 50, graduating summa cum laude. She would complete a ten year career at Harold Washington College until her retirement.

Dolores was ahead of her time. She was a strong, confident, fearless woman in the face of adversity. She put her beliefs into action for social justice by staying true to her heart. Never, will we forget her open arms, her warm embrace, her beautiful smile, and above all, her joyfilled essence.

You are missed: “best Mom ever”, “loving, cheerful Grammy”, “compassionate friend”, “dear Godmother”, and “favorite Auntie”. Your love and spirit remain alive in our hearts always.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 8S055 Dugan Road, Sugar Grove, IL 60554. Abbot Joel Rippinger will officiate. Visitation at 9:00 a.m. until Mass begins. Burial at St Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park, IL, will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, if you prefer, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Dolores.