Obituary

Dorothy “Dory” (Kaplan) Katz, age 96, passed away peacefully in her own home, in the company of her two daughters. Beloved wife of William Katz, who died in 1984, Dorothy is survived by her daughters Judith Katz Pasternack (John), Nancy Katz (Kathy Wildman). She was “Bubby” to her beloved grandson and caregiver Brian Pasternack. She adored and was adored by her many nephews, nieces and great nieces and nephews. Dory was the youngest of six loving sisters who preceded her in death: Lillian (Alvin) Sosin, Ruth (Jules) Roth, Florence (George) Harris, Beatrice Kaplan, and Evelyn (Charles) Hoffman. A professional French Horn player since the age of 19, Dorothy was a member of the Indianapolis, New Orleans, and Columbus Symphonies and she taught at Ball State University. She delighted in relaying that she was hired by Lincoln Park Zoo to play for the crocodiles because the sound of the horn resembled the animals’ mating call. She also freelanced in the Chicago area with many orchestras and ensembles, including the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera. She developed a thriving teaching practice at home and in the North Shore schools, turning out many fine and devoted students, some of whom went on to professional horn careers. She was proud of her family and in particular, her legacy as a trailblazing female brass musician in the 1940’s. She had an incredible gift for making everyone she encountered feel valued and important. Dory was fun-loving and feisty with a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh. Passionate about sports, justice and inclusion, she was a role model for all. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, www.jrc-evanston.org or a charity of your choice. Attendance at services are private. To leave condolences and for information, including a public link to view the service in real time and a link for Shiva: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home (847) 255-3520 or www.shalommemorial.org

Service Information

Service : Wednesday, February 17th at 10:30 am
Service Location: Private Graveside Service -Shalom Memorial Park

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Guest Book & Memories

Share your memories and photographs below.

September 19th, 2021

I just saw this notice now, so I send my condolences to Mrs. Katz’s family and friends. She was my horn teacher for many years growing up on the North Shore, and was very influential on me. I never liked playing Mozart horn concertos, and she said, “David, you’ll understand Mozart when you’re older.” I’m a music theory professor now, and sure enough she was right. I love Mozart all these years later. I will always remember my lessons and Mrs. Katz’s kindness and humor.

~David Thurmaier
~Student, Kansas City, MO

February 19th, 2021

On behalf of the members, officers, and staff of the Chicago Federation of Musicians, I wish to pass on our deepest condolences on Dorothy’s passing. She was an inspiration to us all, and through her actions paved the way for young musicians to follow. Because she endured and persevered, they can start on a more equal footing. Dorothy was a member of our organization for 78 consecutive years, having joined in 1942. We will all miss her. May her spirit live on.

~BJ Levy
~Musicians Union, Chicago, IL

February 17th, 2021

We would like to express our sorrow and condolences to you and your families. Dorothy was truly an extraordinary woman and was admired and loved by everyone who knew her. Her smile, her sense of humor, her caring and more were a delight. In time, tears will turn into smiles as we remember all of the good times spent with your mother, my aunt, and friend, Dorothy.

~Mel & Mona Berman
~Nephew, Gilroy, CA

February 16th, 2021

Dorothy brightened the room every time we saw her! She welcomed everyone. We knew her as fellow musicians at many park concerts, as well as in the City Symphony. At one concert at Indian Boundary Park, Dorothy was conducting the band. Our 4-year-old son loved music and Dorothy invited him up to the stage to conduct alongside of her. She didn’t mind at all sharing the spotlight. We love you, Dorothy!

~Karen&Pat Dessent
~colleagues, Deerfield, IL

February 15th, 2021

Dorothy's 95th birthday celebration mary lynne doleys

I will miss her sometimes-mischievous, always-sincere smiles. And warm, warm hugs.

~mary lynne doleys
~friend, skokie, il

February 15th, 2021

MLP

Dinner out!

~MLP

February 15th, 2021

MLP

Will miss you so much…

~MLP

February 15th, 2021

MLP

Zoom calls with the family

~MLP

February 15th, 2021

MLP

: )

~MLP

February 15th, 2021

MLP

SO FUNNY!!!!

~MLP

February 15th, 2021

MLP

…and shared her talent with others

~MLP

February 15th, 2021

MLP

So talented…

~MLP

February 15th, 2021

MLP

Smiling always

~MLP

February 15th, 2021

MLP

Kids loved Dory

~MLP

February 15th, 2021

MLP

Family and friends

~MLP

February 15th, 2021

MLP

Dory always filled the room

~MLP

February 15th, 2021

MLP

Loving sisters are together again.

~MLP

February 15th, 2021

In California with sister Evelyn MLP

Family in California

~MLP

February 15th, 2021

MLP

This one says everything.

~MLP
~, CA

February 15th, 2021

we became friends later in life and truly valued our friendship

Dory was a special lady She will be missed by all.
may she rest in peace.

~sam & barbara brush
~friend, tucson arizona

February 15th, 2021

It was agreat pleasure to have been musicialy assocated with Dorothy for over 50 years.May she rest in peace.The last few years she would bring cookies to reh and i would make coffee and then we would play the same part.

~warren smith
~friend, des plaines,il

  • Photo By mary lynne doleys : Dorothy's 95th birthday celebration
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  • Photo By MLP : In California with sister Evelyn
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