Dorothy Mae Heinrich

Dorothy Mae Heinrich, 94, died on March 17, 2025, with daughter, Joan at her side at Bourbonnais Grove after visits from all her children a few days prior. Dorothy was born on November 4, 1930, in Elk Grove Township to Alfred and Inger (Jorgensen) Cosman. She lived in Illinois most of her childhood and youth, except for six years in Seattle, Washington. Dorothy married Reinhold Heinrich January 29, 1949, in Itasca, Illinois. She and her husband lived in several towns and communities west and south of Chicago and most recently in her Peotone home. Reinhold, her husband of nearly 70 years, died September 23, 2019.

Dorothy and Reinhold are survived by four children; Anne (Gerald) Engelhardt, Reinhold (Debbie) Heinrich, Tim (Deb) Heinrich, and Joan (Wayne) Cann; 16 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Dorothy graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 1970 with a degree in Elementary Education. In Peotone 207U School District she taught 5th grade children for a few years and then students in Title 1 Reading classes for the remainder of her career until she retired in 1990.

Dorothy’s highest priorities were her husband, Reinhold, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In addition to caring about her family, Dorothy gifted the world with her many skills and talents. She enjoyed singing at home, in school and church choirs, as well as playing piano, throughout her youth and adulthood. She also liked gardening flowers and vegetables. A gracious hostess, she provided countless home-cooked meals. Everyone was welcomed to her table. Her delicious baked goods included breads, pies, cookies, puddings, and cakes. When she was 90, her Cinnamon Star yeast bread won Best of Show at the Will County Fair. Additionally, Dorothy was skilled in wood-working crafts, machine sewing, knitting, and embroidery, Swedish weaving, and counted cross stitch. Most of her crafts were given to loved ones as gifts.

Dorothy, though naturally quiet and reserved, was caring and kind to everyone who came into her circle. She gave her full attention to her guests of family and friends. Having never a negative comment nor criticism, Dorothy’s life overflowed with an abundance of unconditional love. Her family will gather for a “Celebration of Dorothy’s Life” later in the summer.

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