Dora Ann McLellan, 80, passed away peacefully and with incredible dignity on November 2nd after suffering from dementia for the last several years.  She was fierce and brave and beautiful up to her final moments. Her heart and love for others were too big a match for dementia and she never lost her ability to recognize her family and told them each time they were together how much she loved them.

Every day of her life, Dora laughed and lived boldly – celebrating her unconditional love of family, her passion for her friends and her unwavering faith in God.

She was born on November 12, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio. True to her Italian heritage, there was never a hug too big or a person who wasn’t welcome at the family dinner table. You couldn’t help but get caught up in her crazy pranks, her neighborhood gatherings or her spirited support for the Minnesota Twins.  You felt better just for being in her presence.  Laughter was a constant as was the love she wove into every relationship she cherished.   And there was no one she loved to laugh at more than herself.

As an elementary school teacher, she inspired her students to reach for their dreams and many of them stayed in touch for decades after being in her classroom.  Later, as an administrative assistant for Ecolab, managed and guided the top executives with the same care she did the interns and assistants, reminding them all that humor and perspective were necessary office supplies.

When cancer tried to beat her time and time again, she fought with grit and a belief that she still had work to do on this earth.  Cancer was no match for her humor and tenacity and in true Dora fashion, she inspired and touched the lives of everyone connected to her treatment and journey.

One of her proudest moments was when her children’s book, "Stevie Star, the Star Who Could Not Shine” was published. The book taught children about finding their purpose, serving others and that courage came when you needed it most.  She delighted in visiting elementary classrooms and reading it aloud. Her book is proudly displayed at the schools where her grandchildren went/go and is “checked out” by the students on a regular basis.

But nothing gave Dora more joy than spending time with and celebrating her grandchildren. Whether at one of their sporting events, theatrical productions or musical performances – Dora’s cheers could be heard over the sound of the crowd.

Her parents, Ben and Ann Krean and her brother Ernie preceded her in death. Dora is survived by the family she loved so dearly  -- Drew McLellan and his family (Suzy & Kelsey), Terri Greener and her family (Eric, Jake, Josie, Max, and Libby) and Ronald McLellan.

Dora’s life was also blessed with many “family by choice” close friends, both near and far.  She had a gift of making everyone feel as if they were the most important person in the room, and she loved laughing and loving them all.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in her name to the Jane Brattain Breast Cancer Center in Minnesota or the Alzheimer’s Association.