Dorothy Reynolds

Dorothy L. Reynolds (nee McMurray), age 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, December 28, 2009, at her home in Third Lake, IL. She was born August 13, 1922, to her parents Maurine and Clyde McMurray in Chicago, IL. As a child and young adult, she was energetic and highly involved; she was a high diver and avid swimmer, a dancer with a troupe that opened for Gypsy Rose Lee, a roller skater and a tennis player. Reynolds attended Marshall High School before completing her nursing credentials and joining the staff of Garfield Park Hospital (Chicago). A resident of the Village of Third Lake since 1950, Reynolds kept busy with her four children, serving as a Girl Scout leader and as the nurse for the Scarlet Knights, a drum and bugle corps to which her children belonged. She worked for many years at Naval Station Great Lakes, followed by service to a small powder-coating company in Antioch, IL, called Trancend. Reynolds was a long-time member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 771 (Gurnee, IL). Reynolds was known for her talents in crochet work, having earned several ribbons, including Best of Show, from the Lake County Fair's annual arts and crafts show. For years to come, her family and friends will be warmed by the beautiful afghans she made, and will recall unique demonstrations of talent, like a large wall hanging she crocheted from thread to depict the scene of The Last Supper. Independent and strong willed, Reynolds enjoyed memories of travels to Hawaii, was a fan of Nascar racing and professional football, and was a trivia buff who enjoyed watching Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. She was also an animal lover who has owned dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and even an alligator, and, in recent years, found great joy in caring for stray cats. Reynolds was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur "Bud" Reynolds, who passed away in 1969. She is survived by her children, Maurine Richter, James Reynolds, Sandra Whiston, and Thomas (Susan) Reynolds; by her grandchildren, Paul Richter, Michael (Lynette) Whiston, Kathleen (Robert) Colbert, Chuck Reynolds, and Daniel Reynolds; and by her great-grandchildren, Parker Whiston and Amanda Whiston. Reynolds will be laid to rest alongside her late husband at Warren Funeral Home and Cemetery (Gurnee, IL), which is also the final resting place of her mother and father. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 from 10 am until 12 noon at WARREN FUNERAL HOME, 1475 N. Cemetery Rd., Gurnee. A special thanks is offered to those who have helped in Reynolds's greatest time of need, including the family members who stayed by her side in her final days; nurses and caregivers at Advocate Condell Medical Center, Victory Lakes Health Care and Advocate Hospice; and friendly, compassionate neighbors.