In Loving Memory of Dr. Victoria Lee Dawdy
With deep sadness and profound love, we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Victoria Lee Dawdy DMD, at her home on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the age of 78, after fighting cancer in several forms for many years.
Victoria was a devoted wife, cherished family member, loyal friend, accomplished cook, passionate sailor, and dedicated dentist whose life was defined by generosity, adventure, service, and love. For 42 years, she cared for her patients with exceptional skill, compassion, and professionalism, earning the respect and gratitude of countless individuals and families. She had a remarkable ability to bring people together, whether in her dental practice, around a table filled with her delicious food, or aboard a sailboat catching the wind.
An exceptional cook, Victoria expressed her love through every meal she prepared. Family gatherings and celebrations were made memorable by her culinary talents, warm hospitality, and the joy she found in caring for others. Her kitchen was a place where friends and loved ones felt welcomed, nourished, and at home.
Victoria's adventurous spirit found its fullest expression on the water. An avid sailor, she cherished her time aboard the Sea Arrow and treasured the friendships and experiences that sailing brought into her life. She enjoyed competing in sailboat races at West Access Marina on Carlyle Lake and on the Mississippi River at Harbor Point. Whether racing, cruising, or simply enjoying a day on the water, she felt a special connection to the freedom and beauty of sailing. She and Stephen also enjoyed sailing together in the Virgin Islands, creating treasured memories through their shared love of the sea and adventure.
One of the great blessings of Victoria's life was her marriage to her beloved husband, Stephen Bilsbury. Together they recently celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, a milestone reflecting a quarter century of love, partnership, and shared adventures. Their bond was a source of strength, happiness, and inspiration to those who knew them.
Victoria will be remembered for her intelligence, kindness, generosity, sense of adventure, and unwavering devotion to family, friends, and patients. She touched countless lives through her compassion and warmth, leaving behind memories that will be cherished forever.
She is survived by her loving husband, Stephen Bilsbury, of Alton, IL, who stood by her side through all of life's journeys. Victoria was a loving mother to her son and daughter in law, Kendal "Todd" and Stacy Zinn of Alton, IL, and her daughter and son in law, Amber and Scott Drancik of Elburn, IL. She cherished her role as a grandmother to her four grandchildren: Daniel Zinn, Morgan Zinn, Max Drancik, and Sophia Drancik, who brought immense joy to her life. Also surviving are 10 siblings and their significant others, Fr. James Schroeder SCJ, Cheryl Schroeder (Bill Hernlund), John, (Sheri) Pohlman, Peggy (Mike) Mathis, Jill (Don) Schmidt, Jan Kammer (Bob Haddenhorst), Terri (Jim) Campbell, Kevin Schroeder (Cindy Teffertiller), Kaye (Kevin) Skibbe, Kim Schroeder-Davis (Jeff Rowling), and many nieces and nephews.
Victoria was preceded in death by an infant son, Adam Zinn, her parents, Bernard Schroeder and Mary Schroeder and stepmother Marcella Pohlman-Schroeder, and her first husband, Danny Zinn, all of whose memories she held close to her heart.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org or contact Gent Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation supports military veterans, first responders, and their families by providing mortgage-free homes, building specialized smart homes for the catastrophically injured, working to eradicate veteran homelessness, and ensuring the events of 9/11 are never forgotten
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Though she has sailed beyond the horizon, her spirit remains with us—in every shared meal, every gathering of loved ones, and every breeze that fills a sail. The Sea Arrow may rest at the dock, but Victoria's legacy of love, friendship, service, and adventure will continue to guide those fortunate enough to have known her.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.