Though Dolores faced much adversity in her life, she was an up-beat, positive and generally happy soul. She loved to play cards, treasure hunt, be with her family and her little dog Lucy. Dolores was a self-taught antiques connoisseur, and she often dabbled in real estate. She loved music, and she loved to sing and dance.
Dolores had a strong personality with a can-do attitude which aided in her pioneer spirit when moving her family from Hamilton Ontario to Cleveland Ohio in 1963 and then again from Cleveland to Florida in 1973. At age 40 she became a professional barber to help out with the family business. When it came to her four daughters she was tough, though fair minded and she loved her girls with a fierceness.
Dolores’s first marriage produced her four daughters, and ended after 30 years. Her second marriage was a beautiful and loving partnership, though it ended after only 13 years when her husband, Lloyd Harter, passed away of kidney disease. Later in life she enjoyed a special relationship with her beloved friend, Mike Landers. She was also very blessed to have a wonderful friend and neighbor, Diane Porter, who helped her in so many ways in the final years of her life.
Dolores became a Christian late in life to the delight of her daughters and they look forward to being with her again in Heaven.
Dolores is survived by her four daughters Gina McCartney, Carrie Lee (Bruce), Jody Treani (Scott), and Rosalee Helmer. Dolores also leaves behind three Grandchildren, Micky James McCartney, Yahna Rose Helmer, and Gwendolyn Helmer, to cherish her memory.
Dolores's daughters are honoring their mother’s wishes with a private family service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dolores's memory may be made to the American Kidney Foundation and the Humane Society of Manatee County.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ManasotaMemorial.com for the Harter-Ricottone family.
