Dolores Irene Bischoff

October 28, 1929 - June 9, 2021

Dolores “Dory” Irene Bischoff (née Sonzogni) of Philadelphia, PA and Wildwood Crest, NJ, died peacefully of natural causes on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at Sunrise Assisted Living in Annapolis, MD. She was 91.

Beloved by her family, friends, and caregivers, Dory gave her time to anyone in need. Whether she was with loved ones or strangers, Dory’s warmth, energy, storytelling-ability, and infectious laugh always filled a room with smiles and joy.

Born October 28, 1929 to Dominick and Edna Mae Sonzogni in Fairmount, the Art Museum area of Center City, Philadelphia, Dory was the eldest of four children.

Beginning in her teens, Dory was an active member of Philadelphia’s historic Girls Rowing Club on the Schuylkill River’s Boathouse Row, which included serving as the association’s Social Chair. In 1947, she graduated from John W. Hallahan High School for Girls.

Upon graduation, Dory was employed at People’s Bond Mortgage Company. Noted for her excellent dictation skills, she was eventually promoted to Personal Secretary to the President. At night, she studied for her cosmetology license and operated her own beauty business for family and friends. Dory married Henry Bischoff, Jr. in 1957, and they became the proud parents to daughter Carol Ann in 1960.

Although she was based in Philadelphia, Dory found the Jersey Shore to be her second home. In the late 1960s, she became an active member of the Greater Wildwood Yacht Club (GWYC) in Wildwood Crest, NJ. She served in numerous positions, including President of the Ladies Auxiliary, and Co-Chair of the GWYC Annual Antiques Show. Dory also worked in various shops and hotel boutiques in Wildwood Crest until her mid 80s.

For her entire life, Dory was strongly committed to service and her faith. She was a volunteer for more than 50 years, most notably at Philadelphia’s Jeanes Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop. Dory was also devoted to her Catholic faith and her relationship with God. She was a member of Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church, Philadelphia, PA, and Notre Dame de la Mer, Wildwood Crest, NJ.

Dory is survived by her devoted husband, Henry Bischoff, Jr., loving daughter Carol Ann Bischoff (Michael Regan), and beloved granddaughters Emma Mae and Erin Margaret Regan, all of Arlington, VA; brother Edward Sonzogni, of Haddonfield, NJ; sister Christine C. Blum, of Boca Raton, FL, as well as numerous adoring nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors, and caregivers.

On Thursday, June 24, 2021, there will be a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Resurrection at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, followed by an 11:30 a.m. blessing and visitation at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home, both on Duke of Gloucester Street in downtown Annapolis, MD. Dory’s interment will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to REACH for Uganda, US, (REACH US), Arlington, VA, https://reachforuganda.org/.