Dorothy Murphy Gimbut

Please note, face masks and social distancing will be practiced. In order to attend the Funeral Mass, guests will need to register on the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040948acad22a1fe3-funeral10 Dorothy Lauterbach Murphy Gimbut passed away peacefully surrounded with love from her two devoted daughters on July 2, 2020. Dorothy was a bright light, inspiration and role model to all who knew her, appreciating all the joys of life during her 96 years. Dorothy was born at home in Cicero, Illinois on November 6, 1923 to the late Ervin and Loretta (Forbes) Lauterbach. Her sister, Lorraine Brandt and two brothers, Ervin and Roger, preceded her in death. Growing up, life was always plentiful and happy as the daughter of a successful and hardworking ice and coal business owner and a doting mother. When Dorothy attended Providence High School, she met the love of her life, William (“Billy”) Murphy, who was the youngest of 12 children. They married soon after he arrived home from fighting for our country in World War II in 1948. Dorothy was the most incredible and dedicated mother to her two daughters. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them, always an involved parent excited to serve in roles such as Girl Scout leader or chaperone. Once her daughters were grown, Dorothy immersed herself into real estate with much success. Though she had many joys in her life, Dorothy also endured the great heartbreak associated with the loss of her two beloved husbands. She unexpectedly lost Billy at age 52, and later, her second husband, Alek Gimbut, at the age of 76, after a long illness that Dorothy nursed him through. Dorothy also courageously fought and won her battle with breast cancer, all the while her strength and faith in God were never shaken. She never complained or felt sorry for herself. Her love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mother was of utmost importance to her and was a guide throughout her life. Dorothy always enjoyed keeping busy. She loved traveling, yoga, water aerobics, playing piano, golf, bridge and most especially dance such as disco and square dancing. Throughout her life, she made a point to do things to keep her mind and body fit. She was always “dressed to the nines” and kept a home with an open door, ready to entertain and enjoy the company of friends and family that she loved. Dorothy is survived by her children: Loretta (The late John) Dwyer and Margaret (William) Long, the late Aleksander Gimbut, Jr. as well as by her grandchildren: Keeley (Barney) Snider, Kerry (Victor) Matchak, John Jr. (Melissa) Dwyer, Conor (Ayeisha) Long, Caitlin (Ken Foley) Long, Courtland Long and Casey Long and her treasured great grandchildren: Katherine and Maeve Snider, Carden and Grayson Long, Camryn, Maggie and Emily Matchak and John M. Dwyer III, all of whom will miss their beloved Nana more than words can say. Dorothy was a true jewel who was adored and cherished by her family, which includes a bevy of wonderful nieces and nephews, as well as her wonderful friends. Always selfless and thoughtful, she constantly brought the gift of love to all who were fortunate enough to know her. If you were around her, you wanted to be a better person and also seek out and cherish all of the positive qualities in other people. She was nothing short of extraordinary and will be missed dearly. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Dorothy’s honor to an organization close to her heart, The Alzheimer’s Association via ALZ.org/donate or to The Dickinson Hall Senior Center where she enjoyed playing bridge and socializing via: https://donorbox.org/lflbscf-general-donations The Funeral Services are being arranged by Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest. A Catholic Mass will be held in celebration of her life and live streamed at the Church of St. Mary in Lake Forest on Monday, July 6, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. (CST). If you would like to attend, due to the pandemic, it is necessary to sign up at www.churchofstmary.org and click sign up genius and scroll to the site where Dorothy’s Funeral Is located or use the following link, https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040948acad22a1fe3-funeral10 The live stream link is: https://asimplestreaming.godaddysites.com/gimbut A private interment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois. The Funeral Mass will be live streamed, please use the following link. https://asimplestreaming.godaddysites.com/gimbut

Dorothy Murphy Gimbut

November 6, 1923 - July 2, 2020