Obituary
Guest Book
Dorothy Adeline Cirilli, 77, died Thursday, January 26, 2012, in Rhinelander. She was born to Henry and Evelyn (LaPorte) Sowinski on June 23, 1934 in Sugar Camp. She attended Sugar Camp Grade School and graduated from Three Lakes High School in 1952, where she was a trumpet player in the marching band. Dorothy attended Milwaukee Beauty School and worked as a beautician at beauty shops in Three Lakes and Rhinelander. Dorothy met Alfred "Freddie" Cirilli at the neighborhood Cirilli's Grocery Store on Eagle Street and they married on September 3, 1955 at St. Kunegunda's Church in Sugar Camp.
Dorothy was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Rhinelander and served for many years on the church's Social Committee and served as its chairman. She also chaired several successful church Christmas bazaars. Dorothy at one time was an active member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Spooner, Wisconsin while serving as housekeeper for long-time family friend Fr. Richard Burzynski. She also worked as a music therapy assistant at the Jolly fisherman and after returning to Rhinelander, as an activities assistant at the Friendly Village in Rhinelander. Dorothy took pride in referring to her nursing home clientele as "my people", and treated them and their families as members of her own, with care, compassion, respect, love and good humor.
Dorothy is survived by five children: Kathy Cirilli of Colorado Springs, CO; Mike Cirilli (Denise Bassett) of Minocqua; David Cirilli (Tony Ruocco) of Chicago; Carole Cirilli of Rhinelander and Jim Cirilli of Minocqua; three brothers, Alvin (Shirley) Sowinski, David (Betty) Sowinski and Henry Jr."Butch" (Diane) Sowinski, all of Sugar Camp; one sister, Mary Ann (Don) Roberts of Rhinelander; eight grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Freddie; her parents; a brother, two aunts, two uncles and a nephew.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Nativity of Our Lord (St. Joseph's site) with Father Dean Buttrick officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM, with Rosary Service at 6:30 PM at Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home and also at 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Monday, January 30, 2012
Rhinelander's Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home, 715-365-4343 is assisting the family with arrangements. All are invited to sign Dorothy's guestbook at hildebrandfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 9, 2012
Colin Marsicek
My sympathy to all the Cirilli family on this loss. Dorothy was a likeable lady. It is my hope that her afterlife is enjoyable. God's Blessings to all.
January 30, 2012
Shannon Bonack-Votis
My deepest sympathy to you all for your loss! Dorothy was a lovely lady! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless,
January 30, 2012
Jean Hodkiewicz
So sorry to hear about Dorothy. I know that she and my mom always enjoyed each other's company. My deepest sympathy.
January 30, 2012
Michele Macak
My deepest sympathy to Carole and family,so sorry to hear of your loss.
January 29, 2012
Kelley Black
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. When someone we love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May you all find the peace to heal.
January 29, 2012
Barbara & Tom Reichwein
So sad to hear of Dorothy's passing. She was a terrific cousin, always had an infectious laugh, a smile on her rosy face, a real joy to be around. She could light the darkest room, and brighten anyone's mood. Her eyes always had a sparkle, a mischievious look about them. Deepest sympathy to all the family.
January 28, 2012
Theresa, Ron Steven and Michael Heger
I remember going to see my Father B in Spooner and knowing that Dorothy would be there to show me the pups and the candy dish. After I was grown and moved to Rhinelander, I got back in touch with Dorothy and Carole. It was an exciting time for me because I felt like I had found long lost family. We spent more than 4 years hanging out and sharing family memories. Dot was the one who gave me Father B's photo albums that no one had seen since he died. I was so excited I cried and we went through those photo albums a long time.
Steven and Michael were both worried about Carole and Adam when I told them the news. They send their thoughts and prayers to your family.
I got the news and started crying. I know that the world is a little bit worse off now, but God has her back at his side and I know that would make her extremely happy. I am sending a special prayer to all your family and miss you greatly Dot.
January 28, 2012
Theresa, Ron, Steven and Michael Heger
I remember going to see my Father B in Spooner and knowing that Dorothy would be there to show me the pups and the candy dish. After I was grown, I moved to Rhinelander, I got back in touch with Dorothy and Carole. It was an exciting time for me because I felt like I had found my long lost family. We spent more than 4 years hanging out and sharing family memories. Dot was the one who gave me Father B's photo albums. I was so excited, I cried and we went through those photo albums for a long time.
Steven and Michael were both worried about Carole and Adam when I told them the news. They both send their thoughts and prayers to your family.
I got the news and started crying. I know that the world is a little bit worse off now, but God has her back at his side and I know that makes her extremely happy. I am sending a special prayer to all your family and missing you greatly Dot.
January 28, 2012
Bob and Barb Robinson
We are so sorry for the loss of a wonderful woman, She always had a smile on her face and could stop and chat where ever we were. May the days ahead get easier and your heart fill with memories.
January 28, 2012
Susan Donis
Whenever I think of Dorothy I think of a kind heart and a beautiful smile. Whenever I would run into Dorothy she was always so concerned about how everybody else was doing, and she loved to talk, and she was always out and about with her family. She will be sadly missed, God Bless You Jim, Friends and Family.
January 28, 2012
John and Dolores Coyle
Our deepest sympathy to Dorothy's family. She will truly be missed by Caroland her grandsons.
January 27, 2012
Brenda Krueger
The lose of your dear mother Dorothy, is one that hurts the hearts of many including myself. Her smile could light up the darkest room. Hang tight to the many wonderful memories you have of your Mom. My deepest sympathies to you all.
January 27, 2012
Barb Kemp
Dorothy was such a wonderful person and will truly be missed by the many people whose lives she has touched. She was part of our mother Audrey's life at Friendly Villiage until she passed in 2007 and mom always loved the times she was around Dorothy. We all send our prayers to the family.
Barb Kemp
Diane Lepak
Judy Mann
January 27, 2012
Marlene Rudolph
Our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your dear mother.
May you all be blessed with the comfort of knowing she is in the hands of our dear lord, joining all the other angels looking over all of us.
Sincerly,
Mark & Marlene Rudolph & family
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