Dorothy D. Jess

Dorothy D. Jess, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026 in Libertyville, IL. She was born on May 8, 1933 in Berkeley, California. Formerly of Glenview, she made her home in Libertyville from 1970. Dorothy graduated from Evanston Township High School, earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education from Monmouth College, and taught second grade in Edenton, North Carolina and Thomasboro, Illinois. She had a lifelong passion for education and enriching the lives of children. She was a founding contributor to the newsletter Television Worth Watching, which provided a guide for parents about show contents in the pre-internet era. Dorothy was a charter initiate of P.E.O. Chapter MS in Libertyville, and served two terms on the Libertyville High School District 128 Board of Education. During her tenure, she helped establish a program that allowed children to borrow reproductions of famous works of art to display in their homes, fostering an appreciation for art at an early age. Following her years in education, Dorothy became a real estate agent with Century 21 Kreuser & Seiler in Libertyville. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Libertyville, where she served on the Pastoral Search, Infant Baptism, and Wedding Committees. In her free time, Dorothy enjoyed staying informed on current events and following politics. Above all, Dorothy cherished her family and will be remembered for her intelligence, generosity, commitment to education, and dedication to her community. Dorothy is survived by her loving children, Jacquelyn (Kevin) Kuhens and Steve (Stacey) Jess; and her cherished granddaughters, Kelsey (Bryan) Abbott and Dr. Alison (Ben) Martini. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Ronald, in 2016, and by her brothers, James and William Davidson. A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026 at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Avenue, Libertyville. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dorothy’s memory may be made to her favorite charity, House of Hope Pet Rescue in Libertyville, www.ourhouseofhoperescue.com. For information, please call 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

Dorothy D. Jess

May 8, 1933 - July 3, 2026