Obituary of Dolores Marie Fornelli
Dolores M. Fornelli (nee Gurka)
Dolores M. Fornelli, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the age of 90, at Lightways Hospice surrounded by her loving family. Dolores was born at the old St. Joseph’s Hospital Joliet, on April 10, 1935, the daughter of the late Agnes F. (nee Spelich) and Frank J. Gurka Sr.
Born and raised in Joliet, Dolores attended St. Joseph Catholic Grade School and was a graduate of St. Francis Academy, class of 1953. Upon graduation from high school, Dolores worked at Illinois Bell in Joliet, and in 1957, she married her sweetheart, Bud, and started a family. She was deeply involved in the lives of her two daughters, serving as a room mother, along with numerous other activities at St. Patrick’s Catholic Grade School. Later, she served as President of Mother’s Club at Providence Catholic High School, where she generously gave her time and leadership. Her commitment to helping others was evident through her many years of volunteering with the Harvest Drive.
As a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church, she lived her faith through active service, but above all, she was a constant and enthusiastic presence at her children' s and grandchildren’s theatrical activities and sporting events. She always offered unwavering support, encouragement, and love.
One of Dolores’s favorite pastimes was shopping. She especially enjoyed visiting local craft fairs and flea markets and of course her shopping excursions to the Covered Bridge Festival in Parke County, Indiana. Another passion was traveling in her Holiday Rambler motorhome with Bud to the Valley in Texas during the winter months. In addition, Dolores was an avid fan of parades and especially her beloved Joliet American Legion Band and enjoyed the annual Christmas concert at the Rialto Square Theater with her daughters and granddaughter. As a recent resident of Storypoint Assisted Living in Romeoville, she made many new friends and enjoyed the various activities and outings. She was a friend to all and loved by many. Dolores will be remembered fondly for her love of Oreo cookies, Dan’s Candies caramels, and Green River soda pop.
Dolores is survived by her two daughters, Joan (Arthur) Siegel and Jane (Timothy) Finlon; four grandchildren, Alec (Kathy Musselman) Siegel, Matthew Siegel, Kevin (Natalie) Finlon, and Kara (Jacob Kendryna) Finlon; great-grandchildren, Aubree Siegel, Keeley Finlon and Conrad Finlon; nephews Robert Elens, the late Michael (Alice) Elens, Frank Gurka, III, Michael Gurka, and Dennis Gurka. Several cousins and numerous friends also survive.
She is preceded in death by her husband, John (Bud) Fornelli; her parents; one brother, Frank Gurka, Jr., and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wayne and Marilyn Elens.
Funeral Services for Dolores Fornelli will be held at 10:15 a.m., on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago St., Joliet, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home chapel on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, IL 60431 or the Will County Humane Society, 24109 Seil Rd., Shorewood, IL 60404 would be appreciated.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her memorial tribute page at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
