Dorothy Jane (Sneller) Assink, born December 14, 1930 in Fremont Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, in Homer Glen, Illinois. Dorothy, often lovingly referred to as “Dot” and “Aunt Dot”and “Grandma Dorothy”, was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 67 years, Paul and her son Dean. Dorothy was the loving mother of Linda Oostema, Stephen (Sue) Assink, Steve Sluis, and Dean (Kim) Assink. Cherished grandmother of 11. Dearest great-grandmother of 26 and great-great-grandmother of one. Dear sister of Bette Van Dyk and the late John Sneller, Margaret Vanderwall, Carl Sneller, Pauline Berens, Evelyn Deur, Virginia Landheer, and Paul Sneller. Aunt of many loved nieces and nephews.
Dorothy grew up on a farm near Fremont, Michigan in Reeman. It is here that she, along with her 8 siblings, inherited their fierce work ethic. They all pitched in and helped the family by working on their fruit farm. She took pride in being able to surpass her sisters when it came to how quickly she could pick apples.
After attending Calvin College and marrying her life-long partner Paul, the two of them served together as teachers in the Roseland Christian schools.
During this period, Dorothy also taught in the Chicago Public School system. Many of her students were from the Robert Taylor homes and the majority of them could not read or write. Later, Dorothy continued on with her teaching career in the Chicago Southwest Christian School system while continuing with her responsibilities as a full time mother and homemaker.
After retirement, Dorothy continued to serve with Paul as a liaison for World Missions. She also taught English as a second language and as a result, developed many life-long dear friendships.
For those who knew Dorothy, it was evident that she carried a deep love for people. Her son Dean once said that she cared not only for people's physical wellbeing, but even more so, for their souls. As a result, she spent much personal time in prayer for those she loved. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she has touched and impacted.
Come join us at the celebration of her life service on
April 16, 2025
. Visitation will be held on
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 12:00 Noon at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, Illinois. Below is a live stream of the service.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE LIVE-STREAM OF DOROTHY'S FUNERAL SERVICE
She will be buried alongside her husband in a private burial at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorials Chicago Christian Schools Foundation, 12001 S. Oak Park Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 are appreciated.
Click here for online donation and designate "Foundation-In Memory/Honor of a Loved One"
Below is a photo tribute celebrating Dorothy's life.
Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400.