Dolores Ann Smith was born on August 9, 1928 to parents Attilio and Adelaide Zappa who were immigrants from the Lombardy region in Northern Italy. Dolores passed away peacefully on October 18, 2023 at the age of 95.
She was a loving wife to Ottmar “Bill Smith for 65 years. They had a fairytale marriage. Survived by four children Jack, Bill, Marie and Nancy along with seven grandchildren. Dolores was preceded in death by her husband Bill and grandson Brandon Smith.
Dolores grew up in Negaunee Michigan where the average annual snowfall is near 180 inches. Walking over a mile to school, truly uphill each way. Dolores excelled in academics graduating from high school at age 16.
After moving to Detroit to clean houses with her two sisters, Dolores took a risk as an entrepreneur, with borrowed money, to open a successful hair salon back in Negaunee Michigan where she eventually met Bill, the love of her life.
Dolores married and followed Bill in support of his rising career moving to Chicago, IL, Madison, WI, Milwaukee, WI, St. Charles, IL and eventually to Sherman, TX. All along the way taking care and nurturing their growing family.
Dolores led her children by example spiritually, interpersonally and with her work ethic.
She made everyone she met feel special by being a great listener and by having a genuine interest in others.
While working hard for most of her life, including outside the home as an Executive Assistant, Real Estate Broker and Member of the Columbian Ladies,
Dolores did make the most of her later years learning how to play golf, tennis and how to ski, all after age 50. In addition, she and Bill, often with one of their children’s families, traveled to many wonderful places in the U.S. and around the world.
Dolores spent her last years comfortably at Anthology – Plano where she was in the good company of many kind people and continued to learn new things about herself, including being a talented artist and a wiz at bingo. Affectionately named the “Bingo Queen.”
A person whose many dimensions as a loving wife and mother, entrepreneur, hard worker, empathetic listener, and her impressive versatility will live on in her grandchildren who had the pleasure and privilege to see her in action for so many wonderful years.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 24 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Father Merlito Abiog will preside.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Vincent De Paul in c/o St. Mary’s Catholic Church or St. Mary’s Catholic School (713 S. Travis Street, Sherman, TX 75090).
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