Dorothy E. "Dottie" Worden

Dorothy Elizabeth “Dottie” (Allen) Worden, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to all entered into eternal life June 4, 2009 while at OSF St. Mary’s Medical Center, after a long and gallant battle with cancer. Dottie, 80 years young, of Knoxville, Illinois will be deeply and sadly missed by Jim, her husband, of 55 years; daughter, Deb Worden of Galesburg; sister, Nancy Wittwer of Lakewood, CO; daughters in spirit, Linda Chezem and Blanche Shoup; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Dottie has been reunited with her parents, Kenneth and Velma Allen; sister, Shirley Powers; brothers, Ernest “Bud” Allen, Dick Allen, Keith Allen; and many good friends and family. Dottie was born April 18, 1929 in the home of her maternal grandmother, in Abingdon, Illinois. She attended Galesburg schools, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1947. She married Jim Worden August 29, 1953, at Corpus Christi Church. Dottie worked as an Operator for Intra-State Telephone Company for 7 years, from 1948 until the birth of her daughter. She later worked for Gamble Furniture Store as a sales consultant.  She was a Brownie Leader for Troop #129 at St. Joseph’s Academy, was a Kitchen Kegler bowler, and member of the Corpus Christi Altar and Rosary Society.  Dottie was an accomplished vocalist, musician, dancer, and gardener. She was known, respected, and loved by all for her humility, compassion, kindness, generosity, abundant patience, and understanding. Dottie had the greatest passion for life, the deepest faith in God, and love and acceptance for all. Despite her almost 3 year battle with cancer, Dottie steadfastly maintained her positive nature, reminding us there are always others far less fortunate and in need of prayer. Even in her final days Dottie was an unselfish child of God, appreciating every moment she lived. Visitation will be Sunday, June 7 from 3-6 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home with the rosary being prayed at 5:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Memorial may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital