Dolores Hertenstein

Heaven gained another angel when Dolores Gagliardo Hertenstein, 100, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, November 22, 2025, surrounded by her family and the endless love she inspired through out her life. Born on September 4, 1925 in Coal City, IL, Dolores was the beloved daughter of Albertina “Bert” LaZier and Joseph “Ginger” Gagliardo.

On November 2, 1947, Dolores married the love of her life, Leslie E. Hertenstein. Together they built a beautiful life and raised two daughters. For roughly 4 decades, Dolores & Leslie also operated a successful photography business, capturing the history of their community one moment, one family and one wedding at a time. It was a unique privilege that allowed them to preserve generations of memories with care and artistry. Per Dolores’s wishes, the family will be donating their entire library of negatives to the Carbon Hill Museum.

Dolores was a woman deeply committed to her community. She founded the Eileen Villagers and proudly served as its president. She was a dedicated Girl Scout Troop Leader for many years and a very active, dedicated member of the University of Illinois Homemakers Extension. Through every role she took on and every hat she wore, she poured in her heart, her talent and her unwavering generosity - somehow always finding the time to share her magic and love with everyone who knew her.

Dolores was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie E. Hertenstein, her daughter, Susan L. Boresi, her cherished granddaughter, Gina Boresi and two brothers: Marvin (Cleo) Gagliardo and Maynard (Patti) Gagliardo.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sherrie and Michael Taylor of Morris, her son-in-law William Boresi of Coal City and her grandsons; Matthew (Melissa) Boresi of Chicago, Joseph (Tania) Taylor of San Diego, Justin (Rebecca) Claypool of Dwight and her grand daughter Amity (Phillip) Provenzano of San Diego.

Grandma Dee treasured her 12 great grandchildren; Tre (Jocelyn) Chavez, Gina (Cristian) Chavez Robles, Giada, Silvana and Nino Provenzano, Zoey (Cody) Weaver, Audrey, Blake and Carter Claypool , Joey and Jeremy Taylor and Vivian Boresi. Dolores also was privileged to know her 2 great-great grandchildren; Thea Weaver and Savyn Chavez.

Dolores lived a full and extraordinary century - one marked by grace, strength and an unmistakable elegance. She was the epitome of class and sophistication, with a presence that made everyone feel loved, welcomed and celebrated. To know her was to truly love her.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 N. Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Friday, November 28, 2025 between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 215 S. Kankakee Street in Coal City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Josh Miller presiding. Cremation rites will follow, and a private family inurnment will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where Dolores will be laid to rest with her late husband.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be: Michael Taylor, William Boresi, Justin Claypool, Joe Taylor, Jeremy Taylor, Tre Chavez, Phil Provenzano, Matt Boresi and Blake Claypool. 

Memorials in Dolores’s name may be given to the Chicago Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Easter Seals of Will & Grundy County.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Dolores' memorial page online through social media.

Funeral and cremation services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-634-2125)