Obituary of Dorothy Mavrich

Dorothy L. Mavrich Age 94. Peacefully Tuesday February 10, 2015 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. Born in Rockdale and a lifelong Rockdale/Joliet area resident. Survived by her three sisters, Amelia Kay (late Robert) Movold, Alice (late Jose) de Rotaeche and Gladys (late Dr. Harold) Visotsky; two nieces, Robin Visotsky and Maria (Sean) Green; two nephews, Dr. Jeffrey (Lisa) Visotsky and John (Mapy) de Rotaeche; great-nieces, Joanna de Roteache and Morgan Grace Green; great-nephews, Zachary and Trevor Adam Visotsky and Matthew Louis Green; and a dear friend, Robert Baher. Preceded by her mother, Luba in 1999; father, Louis in 1951; and a sister, Mildred in 1922. Dorothy was born in Rockdale with a move to Joliet in 1955. Dorothy was a music instructor at the Joliet Conservatory of Music until a major fire in 1974. She continued teaching at her residence. Teaching piano provided her with the insight to the importance of the various art disciplines. She enjoyed teaching all age levels. At the age of 50, Dorothy became interested in politics but never sought office. Her interest in public housing, inequitable taxation and preservation of the then Rubens Rialto Square Theatre, led to the formation of the organization the Will County Cultural Arts Association in 1975. A name change to the Rialto Square Arts Association was instrumental in bringing the theatre under public ownership in 1978. The theatre was built by the Rubens brothers in 1926 and known as one of the wonder theatres in the world. Dorothy has received many awards which she credits to the Rialto, volunteers/donors, Chris Dragatsis and the late John Racich who assisted greatly in the theatre coming under public ownership. Also, former Governor Thompson and former late Rep. Le Roy Van Duyne. Her answer as to why her dedication to the preservation of the theatre: "I knew that if the arts couldn't bring people back to the downtown (now called City Center) nothing could." The reopening of the theatre in 1981, as a performing arts center, was the major turning point in bringing people back to City Center. Dorothy's most cherished award is the honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities from the Lewis University. Her major disappointment was not seeing the theatre open under the name of Rubens Rialto Square Theatre. She is thankful that the City, State and Federal Governments recognized the importance of the need to preserve the theatre of future generations. When the theatre became public property, Dorothy continued her dedication to the arts through a grant program under the Cultural Arts Council of the Joliet Area. Those serving on this board: Chet Kondratowicz, Sue Swarthout, the late Dr. Theodore Z. Polley, the late John H. Cheville, Jan Challender, J. Robert Russ, Roger Wargo, Rosemarie Devine, Lynne Lichtenauer, Jean Matoura and Holly Tomashek. Also, the late Shirley Gursh served for many years. Dorothy served as president from 1975 through 2006. Dorothy is the author of two books: WHY NOT? A JOURNEY THROUGH MUSIC LAND! and a poetry book THINKING. Two local artists were involved with the books: Hugh Tinman, deceased and John Hudak, deceased. Funeral Services for Dorothy L. Mavrich will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to the Rialto Square Theatre Corporation would be appreciated. Visitation Friday, 3-7 p.m. at the funeral home. For more information: (815) 741-5500