Dorothy "Dot" (Madden) Gillian

Dorothy “Dot” Gillian (Madden), age 69, of Forest Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 16th, surrounded by the love of family at her most favorite place in the world, Paddock Lake.

Known for her kind heart, warm smile, and unwavering generosity, Dorothy lived a life rooted in love, family & community. Whether she was offering a listening ear, socializing with anyone & everyone, or simply showing up when it mattered most, Dot had a remarkable ability to make those around her feel seen and cared for. 

Having only ever lived in Forest Park, Dorothy was deeply connected to her community and cherished the relationships she built. Whether serving as Executive Director of the Main Street Revitalization, her 20+ years with the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce, her 19 years as a top real estate agent in Forest Park, and even her 5 years as co-owner of My Sister’s Cafe; Dorothy’s involvement and impact were immense and  will continue to be felt for years to come.

She found happiness in her special moments; laughing with friends, taking family trips, and spending as much time on Paddock Lake as life would allow. Her greatest joy was time spent with her beloved grandkids; doing Dot’s “special projects”, handmaking costumes, cooking, laughing, water skiing or any and every boat activity, sewing, crafting, or any other fun thing that she knew the grandkids would love but that their parents would not. 

Dot is survived by Tim, her devoted husband of 51 years — Her children Ryan (Cara) Gillian, Caitlin (Jake) Thorsen, and Anna (Mike) Cramer; grandchildren Mary, Liam, Henry, Harvey, Dottie, and soon-to-be #6; siblings Patricia (John) Roeder, Joe (Peg) Madden, Ray (Janet) Madden, and Cathy (Jerry) LeBeda; Mike (Pat) Gillian, Pat Gillian & Becky Hunnicutt, Peg (Joe) Madden, Kelly (Mike) Wuchte, Sharon (Jim) Tierney and John (Lisa) Gillian; and countless friends, who will forever hold her in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and “Kay” Madden, Sam & Jacque Gillian, sister Mary Ellen (Ed) Felver, Joey Madden, and Tim and Dot’s best friend Kramer. 

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 19 at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home from 2-7pm, with a memorial service beginning at 6pm. Visitors are welcome to then make their way to Fat Duck Tavern & Grill from 3-9pm for a Celebration of Dot’s Life.  The immediate family will be joining the celebration after the preceding events.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to Forest Park Community Fridge (https://www.gofundme.com/f/forest-park-fridge-fundraiser) or CAST Water Safety (https://castwatersafety.org), in honor of Dot’s generous spirit.

Though she is no longer with us, Dot’s love, wisdom, and gentle presence will remain with all who knew her.

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