Dorothy Sophia Raden

Dorothy Raden passed away on May 12, 2026. She is survived by her sons, Stephen and Daniel Raden; brother-in-law, Bernard Raden; and her nieces and nephew, Charlotte Kaufman, Lisa Raden, and Tony Raden. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ann Chacarestos, and her husband, Dr. David Raden. Dorothy cherished her long partnership with David, whom she considered a true gentleman; both he and her big sister Mary Ann remained forever in her heart as the lights of her life.

Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, Dorothy was the daughter of Justine Sajban and Vasillis ("Bill") Chacarestos. She graduated from Lew Wallace High School and earned degrees in Mathematics from the University of Michigan and DePaul University. Dorothy taught mathematics at Chicago Vocational High School and Mundelein College before beginning a 41-year career at the University of Chicago.

Dorothy devoted more than four decades to the University of Chicago, where she worked in Academic Computing and later as Associate Director of Information Technologies and Services. An early and ongoing focus was on mathematical and graphics software and their use in scientific computing. She was also highly involved in developing early campus computing services as personal and Internet computing emerged in the academic setting. As one of the women helping to shape technology during an era when the field remained overwhelmingly male, she built a respected career marked by leadership, innovation and service. Her exceptional memory for people and professional grace allowed her to navigate numerous transitions with ease. Throughout her career, she thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and mentoring new engineers. Dorothy was respected for her kindness and intelligence as she built lasting relationships throughout her university tenure.

Dorothy enjoyed cooking, traveling, fashion, and folk dancing and loved sharing photographs, family stories, and her Greek and Slovak heritages, along with the many memories she gathered throughout a full life as a mother, wife, sister, aunt, and computing professional

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. from Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408. Interment following services at Mount Mercy Cemetery 4401 West Ridge Road in Gary, Indiana 46408. Additional details to follow.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy Sophia Raden, please visit our floral store.