Dolores R. "Dee" Serritella

Dee Serritella, born Dolores Lopez on May 17, passed away on March 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A strong and devoted woman, Dee remained deeply committed to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren throughout her life. She was loyal to family and friends, active in the business world before retirement, and cherished the many dogs that shared her home over the years.

Born in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side to Bernice (née Coogan) and Gustave (Gus) Lopez, Dee attended Hamline Grammar School and graduated from Gage Park High School. She often recalled with delight the childhood adventures of jumping from rooftop to rooftop with her friends. She began her career at National Republic Cartage and later worked in sales for the trucking industry while raising her five children alongside her husband of more than sixty years, Tony. She retired from Estes Trucking in 2010.

Dee found great joy in traveling with her family, shopping, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and teaching third-grade CCD classes at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Darien, Illinois, for more than twenty years. Known for never meeting a stranger, she always offered a warm compliment or kind word. One of her favorite sayings was, “Don’t worry, better days are coming.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Tony, her son Anthony, her first grandchild Jennifer Orpin, and her son-in-law Ed Sexton. Dee is survived by her beloved children Sandra (Brian) Orpin, Susan Serritella (Mike Smith), Cathy Sexton, and Gina (Jeff) Legler; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; her steadfast sister Diane Lopez Hughes and nephews; and many cherished friends.