Dorothy R. Koraleski
May 3, 1926 – April 5, 2024
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Koraleski, Sr. She is survived by her sons: Jim (Diane), Jack (Stephanie), Bob (Rita), Dave (Michelle), and Dan (Michelle); 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren.
Fifty percent unconditional love and fifty percent a force to be reckoned with. That’s a fair description of Dorothy Koraleski, who passed away on April 5, 2024 – – one month short of her 98th birthday. Dorothy was born on May 3, 1926, to Ted and Mary Kosowski. Growing up in Omaha, she graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes grade school and Cathedral High School before completing a couple of years at Creighton University. She married the love of her life, Bob Koraleski, on October 18, 1948, and raised five boys: Jim (Diane), Jack (Stephanie) Bob Jr. (Rita), Dave (Michelle) and Dan (Michelle) as an at-home Mom. So, at that point she had credits for wonderful wife and incredible Mom, whose attention to details and high expectations taught us all how to live, love, and laugh throughout our lives. Her deep faith in God was the source of her love and her strength, and even when dementia was robbing her of her memories, she never forgot the prayers of the mass and the rosary. When grandkids came along, that unconditional love made each and every one of them feel like they were grandma’s favorite. She was always the first to volunteer for “sick child” care when all the kids were working. Great-grandkids were the icing on the cake, as nothing made her smile more than babies and puppies. She was happiest when all her kids were home and together, whether it be out at Woodcliff or together for the holidays. She had a caregiver’s heart which proved to be a wonderful blessing to Bob Sr. during his lengthy illness. It also extended way beyond immediate family and included relatives and a multitude of her children’s friends through the years, who she adopted as “emergency backup kids.” Worrying was always high on her “things to do list,” and even a mention of someone who was sick or coping with difficult times would get them added to her prayer list, and she expected the family to provide updates to find out if things were better. Highest on her “Force to be Reckoned With” list was her wish to, “. . . stay in my own home and die in my own bed.” With the help of Trey and Samantha Summerlin and the wonderful people at Physician’s Choice and Peaceful Hearts Hospice, she got her wish. She lives on in our hearts and I’m sure will have some advice on how God could tidy up heaven.
Visitation begins on Thursday, April 11th at 9:30 am with a Rosary at 10:45, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am, all at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 4804 Grover St. Interment, Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Methodist Hospital Foundation or St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
5 Comments
I just heard the news that my favorite Aunt Dorothy had passed away and it’s such sad news. I spent many days in Omaha with her and my Uncle Bob and my cousins, Jim, Jack, Bob, Dave and Dan. Some of my happiest memories are of time spent with the family. Aunt Dorth ruled the roost with great love and an iron fist, not surprising trying to control the mayhem in a house full of young boys. She was never afraid to speak her mind and had a great laugh. One of my children who met her at my Mother’s funeral said that she had a very lively character. She did, and even though I didn’t see her much in recent years, I still feel a loss and wish I could hear her call me “Timmy Mouse” one more time. To my five wonderful cousins, please know my heart is with you.
It was a great pleasure of mine to get to know and work with Dorothy. She had a wicked sense of humor with great timing. I will always be reminded of her because she officially gave me my nick name of Suzy 2 shoes. That is how she could remember me early on. Lastly, I am always grateful to work with clients that have a strong family support, and I can say your family goes above and beyond for one another. Dorothy will be missed by all.
Love you, Suzy. You were truly amazing for Dorothy.
As I sit here and think of all the fun we had, not knowing what Dorothy I was gonna have for the day. I always called her my sour patch kid. She was definitely one of a kind and I will miss her as if she were my own grandma. The boys were always so kind and she was well loved by them. Everyone loved Dorothy I think was her spit fire attitude and she would tell you if you don’t like then leave. She will always hold a special place in my heart. I am so thankful that you all gave me a chance to care for her.
I have enjoyed working and caring for Mrs. Dorothy for the past two years. She was the first client I’ve been the longest with since I started my job, and I got attached to her from the beginning. She surely became like a grandmother; as hard as it is to move on, I will always remember our talks in the kitchen with Sue Molly. She’d always talked about her sons and repeatedly said their names over and over. Once she forgets one, she’ll ask me to repeat it. She used to worry when Trey could not make it during his sick days. She loved her family, the babies, chocolates, and gifts the family constantly brought her. But one thing she never forgot is her prayers, though at times she held my hands and asked me to say it with her before going to bed, and she always said love you, babe. She will be dearly missed.
Sign Guestbook