Elaine Dooley, age 91, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2023 surrounded by her children. A funeral mass will be conducted at St. Mary's Church in Lake Forest on Saturday May 13, 2023 at 10:00am.
Elaine was born June 29, 1931 in Weirton West Virginia to Virginia and Harry Elliott. She was a graduate of Mount de Chantal in Wheeling West Virgina and University of Miami, Fla. Elaine was a beauty queen and accomplished pianist. She was crowned Miss Miami Beach in 1952 followed by runner up for Miss Florida. She married the love of her life, University of Miami football star Jim Dooley right before he was drafted as a First Round Draft Choice to the Chicago Bears in 1952 and remained the biggest Bears fan her entire life both as a Player and Coach's wife. From 1968 to 1972 she became the next Mama Bear when George Halas retired and selected her husband as Head Coach of the Bears. She had incredible style and flair and was often photographed with hot pants, go-go boots, hats and false eyelashes. The press adored her. She worked as a Deputy Sheriff for Cook County Traffic Court for 25 years and always carried and flashed her star badge everywhere she went.
Elaine adored her family and all the times they got together. She was blessed with 5 children, 16 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. She never missed a birthday.
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Known for her infectious laugh and radiant smile, she would light up any room. She loved a party and made friends everywhere she went. While growing up, everyone came to the Dooley house. She was a second mom to so many friends, so easy to love and will be sorely missed by all.
Elaine was loved dearly by her 5 children, James, Lisa Trace (David), Pat (Dawn), Tim (Josie) and Bill (Susan), her 16 grandchildren Meeghan Binder, Conor (Rachel), Maura, Brenna, David Trace (Samantha), Kelly Trace, Jenny Trace (Sean Capistrant), Sarah, James, Ashten Justen (Jake), Tim, Sean (Melissa), Caitie, Stefanie Grunwald (Kevin), Ryan and Declan, and 19 great grandchildren Owen Bailey, Oliver Bailey, Theodore Bailey, Rhodes Martinez, Violet, Charlotte, Eliza Binder, Eando Binder, Ronan, Lochlann, Hayden Trace, James Trace, Zelda, Dante, Addison, Cade, Maggie, Piper Grunwald and Elliott Grunwald. She left an incredible legacy.
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She was preceded in death by her loving husband Jim, youngest son Bill and brother Billy and is survived by her sister Kaylene McNamara.
All who loved her will never forget her sweet disposition, elegant style, vibrant spirit and fun loving personality.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Soup Kitchen in memory of Elaine Dooley to:
Attention: Marvin Sabido
Most Blessed Trinity Parish
450 Keller Avenue
Waukegan, IL. 60085
Info: Wenban Funeral Home 847-234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com.
