Delores Jean Vasquez, 86, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, April 22, 2024. She was born on November 5, 1937 in Harrisburg, Michigan to Ernie D. Thompson and Dorothy J. Witherall.
As a teenager, Delores worked as a waitress at small diner where her social skills shined. A natural extrovert and social butterfly, Delores had a knack for making an impression, and there was one impression that was made at just the right time, to just the right man. Benito “Benny” Vasquez was a regular, who unbeknownst to her, became a regular only after being captivated by her quick wit, beautiful smile and warm laughter. One night, after a shift at the diner, Delores needed a ride home and Benny was right there to eagerly offer her one. The rest as they say, is history.
Benny and Delores married on November 3, 1956 in Lansing, Michigan and were a match made in heaven. Both avid sports-fans and natural athletes, they enjoyed camping at Higgins Lake where there was plenty of Delores’ favorite summer hobby, water-skiing. She also enjoyed golfing and rooting Benny on at his baseball games. They had four children who all shared her love of sports and there was seldom a game where she wasn’t heard screaming and cheering from the stands. Delores rarely missed an opportunity to show up and support her family, and today, those shared moments of athletic triumphs are some of her family’s most treasured memories.
Delores loved to wear colorful floral tops that matched her charismatic personality and bright blue eyes. She was incredibly encouraging and positive, always helping those around her to see the bright side of things. She was tremendously uplifting and supportive, not just of family and friends, but strangers too! She had a contagious laugh that could light up a room, was a beautiful singer and a phenomenal cook. Her family shares memories of a home filled with laughter, the smell of a perfectly seared steak, a slow cooked rotisserie chicken or a chocolate Texas sheet cake to sooth Benny’s sweet tooth. A foodie with a love of relaxing evenings in front of the TV with her husband, she enjoyed watching Little House on the Prairie and eating her personal favorite, roast beef with mashed potatoes and sauteed carrots; that is, if she couldn’t get her hands on some fish from Culvers!
As a gregarious woman, her natural knack to spark up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, anytime, became a part of what those who knew her remember fondly. Whether it was at a grocery store, in line at a gas station or on a bus tour in Hawaii for her and Benny’s 25th wedding anniversary, Delores was making friends out of strangers everywhere she turned. Unsurprisingly, her attractive personality went on to fuel a successful career as a Farberware demonstrator for Knapps and later Gordons Food Service, speaking to thousands of people over the decades, never missing the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impression on each and every one of them.
Retiring in 1995 didn’t slow Delores down. It was around this time that she found salvation when she gave her life to Jesus Christ and accepted Him as her personal savior. A convicted Christian, Delores never shied away from sharing her faith. God used her gift as an exceptional conversationalist to spread the Good News and spread it did she! Delores loved the Lord and loved people too. If someone was hurting, struggling or simply needing support, she was quick to lend a hand, a prayer or a generous serving of benevolence. She was kind, selfless and thoughtful, always encouraging her family to cling to the Lord and their faith, abandoning all doubt of what God was capable of. Being loved by Delores was a cherished gift, and it’s something her closest family and friends deeply mourn in her absence. They have peace in knowing that she is home in Heaven, with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and celebrate the tremendously positive impact she made on so many during her years here on earth.
Delores is survived by her husband and best friend of 68 years, Benito “Benny” Vasquez, sister, Rosemary “Daisy” Sims, children Annette Crum, Chris Vasquez, Bob (Teri) Vasquez and Gene (Michelle) Vasquez, sisters-in-law Delores Garcia and Janie Sjolvete, as well as 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her younger brother Dale (Marie) Thompson, brother-in-law Peter Garcia and sisters-in-law Florence Olguin and Susie Aguilar.
Visitation and services will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024 at the Gorsline-Runciman Funeral home located at 900 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI, 48912. A private visitation will be held for immediate family from 9:00am - 10:00am EDT, followed by a public visitation for extended family and friends from 10:00am - 11:00am EDT. A memorial service and celebration of life will begin at 11:00am EDT. Interment to follow at Delta Center Cemetery.
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