She was born in Chicago on January 26, 1960, the daughter of Edward and Geraldine Cook Lazarus.
Dee has been a resident of Springfield since 1980. She was the Founder and President of Paws For Life in Springfield where she rescued and fostered many dogs over the years. She resigned from her rescue in 2022 due to illness. Dee was also a licensed Humane Investigator. She was a licensed foster parent and welcomed many foster children into her home over the years. Dee was known in her family as the paparazzi, always taking photos and videos for her family to treasure.
She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Vincent Lazarus; niece, Nicole Lazarus; and great-nephew, Noah Boston.
Dee is survived by her daughter, Shelby Lazarus of Springfield; brothers, Larry of Chicago, Alan of Decatur, and Christopher (Jessica) Lazarus of Athens; sister, Roberta of Springfield; nephew, Aiden Lazarus; nieces, Jennifer, Jessica, Elizabeth, and Natalia Lazarus; and great-nieces and nephews, Nikko and Malachi Boston, Jahiah Gordon, and Addisyn Lazarus.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL. Dogs are allowed at Dee’s visitation as long as they are on leashes.
Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, with Rev. Sajimon Kuriakose officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to C.H.A.I.N.E.D. Inc. in Belleville, MI.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
