Obituaries
Obituary: Doris J. (McDermott) Lonergan
She was generous to everyone, and no one left her home without an invitation to "come back when you can stay longer."
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Doris J. (McDermott) Lonergan
Doris J. (McDermott) Lonergan, age 77, of Joliet, passed away surrounded by the love of her family at University of Tennessee Medical Center on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Doris was born in Joliet on June 12, 1949, the daughter of the late Earl and Anastasia (Smith) McDermott.
Find out what's happening in Shorewoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Doris was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and a voracious reader. She earned a degree in English from the College of St. Francis, and her favorites included the works of William Shakespeare and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. She worked at Polk Brothers and in the offices of St. Raymond and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but her heart was always at home. She loved plants and flowers, especially anything red. Her favorite snack, which she always had around the house, was popcorn, especially from the movie theater. She was generous to everyone, and no one left her home without an invitation to “come back when you can stay longer.”
Doris is survived by her sons, Matthew (Tara) and Roger Jr. (Jennifer Smith); grandchildren, Connor, Morgan, and Brittanyrose; her fur grandbabies, Sandy and Bunny; siblings Donna Anderson, Vivian McDermott, Janice McDermott, Richard McDermott, and David (Jodi) McDermott; and many nieces and nephews.
Find out what's happening in Shorewoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Roger D. Lonergan Sr., a United States Air Force veteran; her parents; her brother, Michael McDermott; and her fur grandbaby, Tre’ Lonergan.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd, Joliet. Inurnment will follow on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, with guests asked to arrive by 10:45 a.m. Everyone who loved Doris is welcome at both.
Memorial contributions in Doris’ name may be made to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
