Dorothy E. McGroarty

Dorothy Elizabeth McGroarty, 82, of The Breakers at Edgewater Beach, formerly of Andersonville, Chicago, Illinois, passed away February 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Dearborn, Michigan, Dorothy was raised on Chicago’s South and Southeast sides. After graduating from Calumet High School in 1959, she married Bob White and raised their family of six children while working as a Montessori teacher and completing an Associate Degree in Social Work. Dorothy always accepted everyone as an individual without applying labels and fought for what she considered right. She and Bob raised their young children for a time in the attic of a church in a largely Black neighborhood where the children had both Black and white friends, while one attended a Jewish pre-school. The family lived in Gage Park at a time of racial tension surrounding the integration of Gage Park high school, and the family bungalow was known as a “safe haven” for Black students harassed on their way home from school. Dorothy was an active parent in the Marquette Park Special Recreation Program where her children were both participants and youth leaders. She was a founding member and later CEO of Southwest Women Working Together (WWT), a community organization of women empowering women to reach their full potential. It was at WWT that she met Maryon Gray, who had just opened a legal practice in the neighborhood. Ten years later, and following Dorothy and Bob’s divorce, Dorothy and Maryon found themselves in love. They celebrated their union in a commitment ceremony on November 2, 1986. Dorothy and Maryon bought a two-flat in Andersonville which became a hub for children and grandchildren. Whoever needed a home, or a summer away from home, could find it there. Dorothy continued her activism in anti-war and AIDS rights protests where she often assigned herself a role in the security contingent. Dorothy was an accomplished artist. She particularly enjoyed nature photography, honing her skills on the many trips she and Maryon enjoyed. She is best known for the individually made greeting cards her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends received each holiday season. Dorothy’s children and grandchildren were the center of her world. She raised her daughters (and granddaughters) to be strong, independent women and her sons (and grandsons) to be the same but also to cook, clean and do laundry. Beloved life partner of 37 years to Maryon Gray. Devoted mother of Robin (Jeff) Comstock; William (Maria), the late David, and Wesley (Donna) White; Beth (Juan) Rendon; and Julie (Danny) Nelson. Adored grandmother of Dillon (Anna), Trevor (Breeanna), and Hillary Schrock; Eric, Brian (Morgan), and Grey White; Jessica (Ron) Cato, Jason (Sarah) White, Amanda (William) Richards, Sarah (Zach) Dunbar, Travis (Jamie), Wesley, and Salem White; Zachary (Morgan) White, Ryan and Christopher Sullivan; and Rachel Nelson. Proud great-grandmother of 17 and great-great grandmother of one. Sister of Virginia Colatriano and former spouse of Robert (the late Ann) White. Daughter of the late Clara Lewandowski McGroarty and William Lee McGroarty. A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024, 12-4pm (service begins 1pm, luncheon to follow) at The Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy’s memory to Care for Real: www.careforreal.org. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Dorothy E. McGroarty

July 6, 1941 - February 16, 2024