obituaries

Dorothy Cairns

Alton |

 Dorothy M. Cairns, 89 passed away Sunday August 28, 2016 at her home at United Methodist Village in Godfrey, IL.

 She was born on November 23, 1926 in Alton, IL to Lee and Emily (Young) Cairns.

Dorothy was a graduate of Alton High School and earned her bachelor of science degree at Illinois State University Normal in 1948.  She was a long time resident of Hillsboro, IL and was employed by Hillsboro High School for 36 years where she was a health and physical education teacher, dean of girls from 1949 to 1968, and a counselor from 1964 to 1984 when she retired. Dorothy later made her home in Wood River, IL where she resided before moving to McKendree Apartments at United Methodist Village in June 2014. There she loved playing bunco and bingo.

 During her younger years, Dorothy was an athletic person which she maintains kept her in better health later in life. She was a bowler and had quite the softball pitching career in A.S.A ball. Starting in Alton she played on teams in Hillsboro-Litchfield, Livingston, Wood River, Collinsville and again Wood River until 1977.  Her last team association was with the Wood River Royals as a coach in 1979-1981.  Highlights of Dorothy’s fast pitch softball career include nine no-hitters, pitching a perfect game on July 7, 1967 and being inducted into the Illinois Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame in 1986. 

 She is survived by a sister-in-law, Dee Cairns of Godfrey, two nephews Jeff Cairns of Brighton and Mike Cairns (Siobhan) of Scituate, MA a niece, Debbie Comereski (Jeff Conroy) of Brighton, two great nieces: Caitlin Cairns of Brighton and Jamie Comereski of Godfrey and three great nephews: Justin Comereski (Briana) of Apple Valley, CA and Peter and Kellan Cairns of Scituate, MA and one great-great nephew Jackson Doolin and a great-great niece Mackenzie Comereski.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Hank Cairns, her sister Mary Cairns, a nephew Steven Cairns, several uncles and her one aunt Lucille Young.

 Visitation will be from 9 to 10 am, Thursday September 8, 2016 till time of funeral service at 10 am, at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home, in Alton, IL with Pastor Mike Paddock officiating.

 Memorials may be made to 5A’s Animal Shelter in Godfrey, IL

Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com


Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home

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