Betty Jane Dolce

Our beloved matriarch, Betty “Sham” Dolce, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2024, at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Her life was a testament to the profound impact one soul can have, as evidenced by the generations she made possible—her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. Sham was the last of her generation in the Halling and Dolce families, and while we mourn the profound sadness of her absence, our hearts find comfort in imagining her joyous reunion with all those who went before her.

Sham’s journey to God was surely lit by the sound of familiar voices calling her home, none clearer or more comforting than Dad’s and our sister Linda’s. The thought of her basking in their love, surrounded by the family who awaited her with open arms, surpasses any grief we feel today. A legend in her own right, Sham touched countless lives with her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to family, which always remained the cornerstone of her life. Family meant everything to Sham, and she meant everything to us.

“Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything.”

Betty is predeceased by her parents, Fred and Margaret Halling; two sisters and four brothers; her husband of 37 years Joe Dolce; beloved daughter Linda Foster; sons-in-law Dana, Gary and Doug; daughter-in-law Cynthia. Sham is survived by children Diana Dolce SSJ, Anthony “Butch” Dolce, Robert Dolce, Fred Dolce, Ann (Greg) Stoutenburg, Jim (Rita) Dolce, Betty (Karen) Dolce, Evelyn (Dave) Matsulavage, Joe (Joan) Dolce, Beverly Morreale; grandchildren Tiffany (Craig) Cappel, Bridget (Josh) Myers, Josh Dolce, Nathan (Rebecca) Dolce, Gary (Crystal) Foster, Lauren (Donald) Monacelli, Diana (Cory) Roberts, Joseph (Correna) Dolce, Eric (Chelsea) Stoutenburg, Rafael Senior, Eliannah Pardner; 17 great grandchildren; 5 great, great grandchildren; and Kathy Weider, SSJ, who has been every bit a family member for decades. Many cherished nieces and nephews.

We want to extend our gratitude to Hellen, Natalie and Angela on Sands 600 in Rochester General Hospital, for their care of Sham during her final days. For everything that mattered to us, her comfort and her dignity, you were there for it.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home, 2125 Chili Ave, Rochester, New York 14624. A prayer service will occur Friday, December 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Betty will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Joseph, in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Betty's memory to Hope Hall School, attn: Advancement Office, 1612 Buffalo Rd., Rochester, New York 14624, https://hopehall.org/ways-to-get-involved/make-a-donation/.