Hazel Dorsey

Hazel Dorsey, 93, passed away peacefully on November 13th, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, resilience, compassion and unconditional love.

She was born August 15, 1933, in Polo, Illinois, the daughter of Charles and Esther (Speckeen) Miller. On June 5, 1955, she was united in marriage to Russell Dorsey and they enjoyed 48 years together prior to his passing in 2003.

Above all else, Hazel was a woman of deep and abiding faith. Her faith was not simply something she professed; it was the very foundation upon which she built her life and the source of strength she returned to through the seasons of her life. She met life’s challenges with perseverance, trust in God, and an unwavering belief that there was always a way forward.

She was committed to making her corner of the world a better place. She had a deep sense of justice and a special place in her heart for those who were struggling or disenfranchised. In her younger years, she worked tirelessly for the American Cancer Society as a community fundraiser. Alongside her husband, Russ, she volunteered at the FACC Homeless Shelter and the local food pantry. Her service extended to her church, Bethany UCC, where she was an active and devoted member for many years, teaching Sunday School, serving on the church board and providing help whenever the need arose.

For more than 50 years, Hazel was a daycare provider for many children in the Freeport area. She cared for hundreds of children over the decades, continuing this beloved work well into her early 80s. To the kids and families who came through her door, she was so much more than a daycare provider. She was a trusted caregiver, a source of comfort, and often an important part of the family. Many of those children, now grown, continued to stay connected to her, a testament to the lasting relationships that were built and the love she gave so freely.

While her care for others reached far beyond her own home, her family was always at the center of her world. She deeply loved her children and son-in-law, Marvin, and thought the world of her grandchildren, going to great lengths to attend their activities and celebrations, cheering them on, their biggest fan. She was so proud of all of them.

One of her greatest joys was meeting and holding her first great-grandchild, Margot, who entered this world only 1 month before Hazel departed. She was equally thrilled by the engagement of her grandson Alex and his fiancée, Torrie and held onto the hope of being here to celebrate their wedding next fall. She was blessed to attend the weddings of her granddaughters Lizzie and her husband, Logan, and Sarah and her husband, Austin. She spoke often and lovingly of Logan, Austin and Torrie, grateful that her grandchildren had found such wonderful partners.

Hazel leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years or accomplishments alone. It lives on in the hundreds of children she nurtured, the people she served, the faith community she strengthened, and, most importantly, in the family she loved so deeply. She taught those around her to persevere, to care for others, to stand up for what is right, and to trust God through life’s uncertainties.

Survivors include her children, Stephen of Rockford, IL, Janelle (Marvin) Hupp of Prairie du Sac, WI and Joslyn Gullickson of Freeport, IL. She is further survived by her grandchildren Lizzie (Logan) Moore, Sarah (Austin) Atwell and Alex (Torrie Bolin) Gullickson, great granddaughter, Margot, sister-in-law, Carole Miller and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply. She was preceded in death by husband, Russ, daughter Shelly Ann Dorsey; sisters, Alice Brown and her husband Paul Brown and Gladys Haring and her husband Earl Haring; brothers Leonard Miller and Kenneth Miller and his wife Naomi Miller; Brothers-in-law Larry Dorsey and his wife Virginia, Howard Dorsey and his wife Marlys; Sister-in-Law Priscilla Ludwig and her husband LeRoy; Niece Barbara Sanner and Nephew Bill Dorsey and Great Niece Heidi Ludwig.

Funeral service will be at 11 am Friday November 20, 2026, at Bethany United Church of Christ, 2341 W. Stephenson St. Freeport, IL. Visitation will also be at the church on Thursday November 19, 2026, from 3 to 6 pm. Memorials have been established for Bethany United Church of Christ and Freeport Area Church Cooperative.