Visitation
St. Bernadette Catholic Church
8200 West Denver Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53223
Saturday 5/23,
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Service
St. Bernadette Catholic Church
8200 West Denver Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53223
Saturday 5/23,
10:30 am
Memorial
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Bernadette Catholic Parish in memory of Nick and Dori Chaconas.
Reception
St. Bernadette Catholic Church
8200 West Denver Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53223
Saturday 5/23
Following Mass of Christian Burial.
Doris “Dori” Chaconas (née Kozak), 88, of Germantown, passed away peacefully at sunrise on May 9, 2026. Dori was born in Milwaukee on March 11, 1938, to Paul and Kathryn (née Baratka) Kozak. She was predeceased by Nick, her sweetheart and husband of nearly 66 years. Dori is survived by daughters Stacy (Kelly) DeKeyser, StephanieContinue Reading
Lisa Wheeler
left a message on May 24, 2026:
Dori Chaconas was a wonderful woman. I met her way back in 1997 when we were both embarking on our "writing for children' journey. I saw her talent shine straight away. Over time, we became friends and I was blessed to spend some good quality face-to-face time with Dori over the years. Her wit, talent, humor and zest for life will be missed by all, especially her family who knew her best. I am sad to say goodbye to my friend.
Lisa Moser
left a message on May 23, 2026:
I was so sad to hear of Dori's passing, and I send my deepest sympathy. Dori was an extraordinary light in this world. She was kind and funny, gracious and generous.
I was blessed to be in her writing group for over 20 years. Dori's talent for writing was unsurpassed. Her wit and humor shone through all of her work. And she delighted to help someone else succeed. It was Dori's guidance and expertise that helped so many become children's authors. She knew just the right words, just the right touch to fix a story. She was so incredibly talented and wise.
Dori's gifts will grace children's lives for generations. Her stories will make children just learning to read, laugh. They will carry her stories in their hearts all of their lives. And they will share them with their own children. Dori brought such incredible goodness to children.
I will miss her dearly. She crosses my thoughts so often. I loved meeting with her, learning from her. I loved when she got a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Oh, she was funny!
But more than all of that, she was my friend. .God gives us special people in our lives. They help us, support us, and show us the way. What a gift she was!
I will pray for all of you in these days. I will pray for God's loving arms to envelope all of you and hold you gently. I will pray for His merciful compassion to surround you when you are grieving. What comfort there is knowing Dori is with Jesus. And she's probably telling Him a really good story.
With much love and gratitude,
Lisa Moser
Carol Anne McGowan
left a message on May 17, 2026:
Doris was a classmate of mine at St Rose School in Milwaukee and at St John's Cathedral in Milwaukee. We were in Girl Scouts together at St Rose. I enjoyed her paintings and bought some of her books for my great nieces ( twins) , a few years ago. My condolences to your family. May she rest in peace in God's hands
Ingrid Kallick
left a message on May 16, 2026:
Dori always showed kindness and encouragement to us fellow authors and artists at Wisconsin SCBWI. Her heart was as big as her talent. I will miss her.
Stephanie Ristaino
left a message on May 16, 2026:
May you have a restful peace now with your Nick.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Silvia Acevedo
left a message on May 16, 2026:
Thank you, Dori, for being a light in the world. Your kindness and generosity leave a lasting legacy. My deepest condolences to your family and loved ones.
Marsha Hayles
left a message on May 16, 2026:
Dori was a wonderfully talented and equally charming and kind person. As fellow writers, we supported and enjoyed each other and were critique partners for many years. I valued her help with rhyme, rhythm, character, and story and also benefitted greatly from her wisdom about life. She was truly a gem of a person, and I'm sorry she is gone, sorry for your loss. But what a life well-lived!
Jayne
left a message on May 15, 2026:
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss you guys. She will be missed and my heart aches for you all.
Christine Ristaino
left a message on May 15, 2026:
Michaela I am so sorry for your loss. Please extend my sympathies to your whole family. She is smiling down on you with your dad. They are both happy and that will get you through this. My love to all of you.
Crissy
Anthony Kara and Evie Ristaino
left a message on May 15, 2026:
Sending our condolences, thoughts and prayers for you all, during this difficult time.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Lisa Wheeler
left a message on May 24, 2026:
Dori Chaconas was a wonderful woman. I met her way back in 1997 when we were both embarking on our "writing for children' journey. I saw her talent shine straight away. Over time, we became friends and I was blessed to spend some good quality face-to-face time with Dori over the years. Her wit, talent, humor and zest for life will be missed by all, especially her family who knew her best. I am sad to say goodbye to my friend.
Lisa Moser
left a message on May 23, 2026:
I was so sad to hear of Dori's passing, and I send my deepest sympathy. Dori was an extraordinary light in this world. She was kind and funny, gracious and generous.
I was blessed to be in her writing group for over 20 years. Dori's talent for writing was unsurpassed. Her wit and humor shone through all of her work. And she delighted to help someone else succeed. It was Dori's guidance and expertise that helped so many become children's authors. She knew just the right words, just the right touch to fix a story. She was so incredibly talented and wise.
Dori's gifts will grace children's lives for generations. Her stories will make children just learning to read, laugh. They will carry her stories in their hearts all of their lives. And they will share them with their own children. Dori brought such incredible goodness to children.
I will miss her dearly. She crosses my thoughts so often. I loved meeting with her, learning from her. I loved when she got a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Oh, she was funny!
But more than all of that, she was my friend. .God gives us special people in our lives. They help us, support us, and show us the way. What a gift she was!
I will pray for all of you in these days. I will pray for God's loving arms to envelope all of you and hold you gently. I will pray for His merciful compassion to surround you when you are grieving. What comfort there is knowing Dori is with Jesus. And she's probably telling Him a really good story.
With much love and gratitude,
Lisa Moser
Carol Anne McGowan
left a message on May 17, 2026:
Doris was a classmate of mine at St Rose School in Milwaukee and at St John's Cathedral in Milwaukee. We were in Girl Scouts together at St Rose. I enjoyed her paintings and bought some of her books for my great nieces ( twins) , a few years ago. My condolences to your family. May she rest in peace in God's hands
Ingrid Kallick
left a message on May 16, 2026:
Dori always showed kindness and encouragement to us fellow authors and artists at Wisconsin SCBWI. Her heart was as big as her talent. I will miss her.
Stephanie Ristaino
left a message on May 16, 2026:
May you have a restful peace now with your Nick.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Silvia Acevedo
left a message on May 16, 2026:
Thank you, Dori, for being a light in the world. Your kindness and generosity leave a lasting legacy. My deepest condolences to your family and loved ones.
Marsha Hayles
left a message on May 16, 2026:
Dori was a wonderfully talented and equally charming and kind person. As fellow writers, we supported and enjoyed each other and were critique partners for many years. I valued her help with rhyme, rhythm, character, and story and also benefitted greatly from her wisdom about life. She was truly a gem of a person, and I'm sorry she is gone, sorry for your loss. But what a life well-lived!
Jayne
left a message on May 15, 2026:
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss you guys. She will be missed and my heart aches for you all.
Christine Ristaino
left a message on May 15, 2026:
Michaela I am so sorry for your loss. Please extend my sympathies to your whole family. She is smiling down on you with your dad. They are both happy and that will get you through this. My love to all of you.
Crissy
Anthony Kara and Evie Ristaino
left a message on May 15, 2026:
Sending our condolences, thoughts and prayers for you all, during this difficult time.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Thank you for leaving a condolence..
Your comment has been submitted for moderation.
