Obituary: Dorothy Arlyne Lisignoli

Dorothy Arlyne Lisignoli, 91, passed away peacefully in her home in Cloquet, under the excellent care of the Evergreen Knoll staff and St. Croix hospice. Known for her positivity, kindness, tenacity and grace, she believed in the goodness of life and her mission to leave the world a brighter, more beautiful place. A devout Lutheran, Dorothy embodied the values of her church through her dedication to volunteering within her community. At church functions, local programs, committees, or clubs, she was an impactful presence.

A strong believer in the value of education, she was the secretary to the superintendent of schools and a member of the Cloquet Education Foundation board of directors for 25 years. Dorothy was highly engaged in the Cloquet community and served as the co-chair of the City of Cloquet centennial in 2004, and the CHS centennial and all-class reunion in 1997. She was also a member of the Blandin Foundation Community Leadership program and Professional Secretary Association.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, James Francis Lisignoli; her parents, Roy and Ida Thompson; and three siblings, Inez Cutler, Sharon Plante and John Thompson. She is survived by her sister, Karen (Harry) Dannen; her four children, Suzanne (John) McKinney, Rita (Gary) Berg, James (Laurie) Lisignoli, and Mary Fran (Kurt) Werner; 10 grandchildren, Samuel (Ashley) McKinney, Charlie (Amanda) Berg, Natalie Berg, Maria, Anna, Julia and James Lisignoli, and Grace, Fred and Gus Werner; and one great-grandchild, Theodore McKinney.

If the impact of your life is measured by the people you touch, Dorothy’s life was immeasurable. She was the greatest mother, Nana, sibling, and friend. Dorothy was a blessing to us all and will be dearly missed.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial service Saturday, June 4 at Zion Lutheran Church in Cloquet. A lunch reception will follow in the church social hall. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Cloquet Educational Foundation, 302 14th St., Cloquet MN 55720. Nelson Funeral Care assisted the family with final arrangements.