Obituary of Theresa M. Ortiz
Theresa M. Ortiz
(nee Orasco)
Theresa M. Ortiz, passed away peacefully with family present at age 92, on February 11, 2025, at Clarendale of Mokena.
Theresa was born in Joliet, Illinois, and was a lifelong Will County resident. She retired from the Will County Courthouse after working as a bailiff for 28 years. She was very proud of the order she maintained in her judges’ courtrooms. She gave many defendants quiet, practical, informal advice before their first court appearances. While employed at the courthouse Theresa enjoyed making homemade salsa every night for the staff so they could enjoy chips and salsa in their break area each day, in addition to Theresa’s spicy attitude. Theresa worked for many other employers in the Joliet area prior to her service to Will County, most often in catering services.
Theresa loved to be around people, and to converse about anything in fluent Spanish or English (or both), be they friends, relatives, or strangers. Her enjoyment of companionship and visitors shone through even as her health declined. She made friends easily everywhere she went. Theresa loved to bake and cook, and passed on her cooking skills and sweet tooth to succeeding generations. Theresa was also a proud and very lovely Mexican Parade Queen.
She is survived by her nine children, Linda (Ned) Morrell, Christine Rodriguez, Theresa Rodriguez, Cyndy (Bruce) McRaven, Ronald (Sandy) Rodriguez, David (Laurie) Rodriguez, Rey (Evon) Rodriguez, Diana (Gregg) Dobczyk, and Ana (Scott) Lockwood. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Theresa was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 43 years, Louie G. Ortiz; grandsons, Casey Dobczyk and Jason Rodriguez; her parents, Elmer and Jesse (Lara) Orasco; 10 sisters; and two brothers. She was the last surviving sibling.
The entire family is grateful for countless daily visits Theresa’s nearby children paid her to brighten long days with the company of family, and to help dress, feed, and care for her. We are also thankful for the care Theresa received from Clarendale of Mokena staff in the years she resided there, and for services provided by Suncrest Hospice.
Funeral Services for Theresa M. Ortiz will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, to St. Mary Magdalene Church, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home chapel on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Suncrest Hospice, or any organizations that support dementia research and care.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
