Dorothy S. Colella (nee Zyla), nearly 95, of Schererville, formerly of Calumet City, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2024. She is preceded in death by her husband Gigi (Louis E.) and her parents Frank and Helen Zyla, four sisters, and two brothers. She is survived by her caring and dedicated family: daughter, LaurelContinue Reading
Dorothy S. Colella (nee Zyla), nearly 95, of Schererville, formerly of Calumet City, Illinois, passed
away peacefully on February 20, 2024. She is preceded in death by her husband Gigi (Louis E.) and her parents Frank and Helen Zyla, four sisters, and two brothers. She is survived by her caring and dedicated family: daughter, Laurel Olson (Craig), sons Dominic (Rhonda) Colella of Schererville, Charles Colella of Sadler, Texas, special companion, Joe Ferrantelli, and her adoring cat, Jingles.
Dorothy leaves five grandchildren: Christopher (Sarah) Colella, Adam (Ashley) Colella, Erik Olson, Neil (Megan) Olson and Vanessa Olson (fiancé Chris Myers), as well as three great-grandchildren: Lexi, Lacey and Dominic Colella. She was Aunt, Great Aunt and Great-Great Aunt to many.
Dorothy graduated from T.F. North High School in Calumet City in 1946. She worked in Drafting
& Design at Commonwealth Edison, and as a secretary at Ford Motor Co. While raising her family, she volunteered in many organizations: President of St. Victor’s Women’s Club, Decorating Chairman of St. Victor Booster Club Activities, Secretary of St. Victor Booster Club, Secretary and Activities Chairman of Auburn Meadow Community Association, Member and Logo Designer for AmoCares Volunteers, Member and Board Member of BP Annuitants. She also volunteered at the Calumet Area Humane Society and St. Margaret Mercy Hospitals in Hammond and Dyer.
She was free-lance artist for 25 years, with permits in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Michigan. Her paintings can be found all around the world.
Dorothy was a gypsy at heart; she never settled for long, loved having fun and traveling. She toured Europe at age 85. Throughout her life, she owned four homes and two lakeside cottages. She loved going to casinos and gambling, and was very lucky! But her crowning achievements were being a devoted wife and mother.
Visitation will be Monday, February 26, 2024 from 12:00-5:00 pm with a funeral service at 5:00 pm at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN.
Donations can be made to the Calumet Area Humane Society.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Dorothy S. Colella, please visit our Tribute Store.
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4 trees were planted in memory of Dorothy Colella 
Eileen, Patrick, Mike, Mary Angela, and Marguerite
left a message on February 25, 2024:
Todd and Louisa
left a message on February 26, 2024:
We Love you Dorthy .We hope as this tree grows it will reflect your love ,and provide shade and rest to all creatures around it .
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Dorothy Colella . Plant a Tree
Barbara
left a message on February 25, 2024:
Among her friends and neighbors, Dorothy was admired for her vigor and vivacity. She is a good example to us on how to live life to the fullest. And she was blessed with a caring family who made it possible for her to carry on as she did. Dorothy will be missed.
Anonymous
left a message on February 22, 2024:
We wish you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.Sending you all Love & Hugs!
Fiery Lily and Rose was purchased for the family of Dorothy Colella by Anonymous. Send Flowers
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Eileen, Patrick, Mike, Mary Angela, and Marguerite
left a message on February 25, 2024:
Todd and Louisa
left a message on February 26, 2024:
We Love you Dorthy .We hope as this tree grows it will reflect your love ,and provide shade and rest to all creatures around it .
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Dorothy Colella . Plant a Tree
Barbara
left a message on February 25, 2024:
Among her friends and neighbors, Dorothy was admired for her vigor and vivacity. She is a good example to us on how to live life to the fullest. And she was blessed with a caring family who made it possible for her to carry on as she did. Dorothy will be missed.
Anonymous
left a message on February 22, 2024:
We wish you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.Sending you all Love & Hugs!
Fiery Lily and Rose was purchased for the family of Dorothy Colella by Anonymous. Send Flowers
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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