Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Heritage Funeral Chapel - Peoria

6830 W Thunderbird Rd

Peoria, Arizona

Dolores Tafoya Obituary

Tafoya, Dolores Felix
88, a native of Phoenix, AZ passed away on February 10, 2013. Dolores attended Monroe elementary school, Phoenix Union High School and studied pre-law at Phoenix College. During WWII, Dolores was involved with the USO. She was an avid dancer and fan of the big band era. After the war, when offered a position with the US government in Los Angeles, California, Dolores decided to spread her wings and moved on her own. Dolores worked for 30+ years for the Federal government, for various agencies, retiring in 1987. Dolores was a member of the First Families of Arizona and the Genealogy Society. In her pursuit and studies to trace her family ancestry, she uncovered family ties dating back to the 17th century in Spain. She was very involved with her church for over 18 years at St. Jerome's Catholic Church. In 1999, she realized a life-long dream to further her religious studies, which she fulfilled and was ordained a Eucharistic Minister. Dolores loved to travel, having fulfilled another dream, to visit the Holy Land (Israel). Trips with her family and friends whether it be to explore scenic sites around Arizona, Hawaii, cruises to the Bahamas and the Mexican Riviera, and travels around California and Wyoming were of great joy and adventure. Dolores was a caring, loving sister and aunt, always making it a point to keep in touch with the extended family - she was the "pulse" of the family. She was loved and cherished by the neighborhood children and friends of her own children, who considered her their "second Mom" - she never turned anyone away. Above all, Dolores' greatest love, devotion and accomplishment, with no sacrifice too big, was in raising her four children, enjoying the company of all her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dolores is survived by son, Angelo Rivers, daughters, Margie Addison (Mike), Marianne Ward (Ken), and Rachael Tafoya. Dolores leaves behind four grandchildren, Michelle Wattis, Steven Hoyos, Robby Rivers, Dustin Hoyos and (7) great grandchildren. Predeceased by husband, Eloy C. Tafoya, mother and father (Isabelle and Joe Felix), sisters and brother (Dora, Lydia, Sonny), and baby daughter (Jane). Monday, February 18, 4:00-8:00 PM, Visitation: Heritage Funeral Chapel, 68th Avenue & Thunderbird, Peoria, AZ Tuesday, February 19, 11:00 AM, Funeral Mss: St. Jerome's Catholic Church, 35th Avenue, just north of Peoria 1:00 PM, Burial: National Memorial Cemetery, Pinnacle Peak east of Cave Creek Road The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of the Valley.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Feb. 15, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Dolores Tafoya

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Our family was sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother always welcomed us with a kind and friendly smile. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to all of the family.

Melinda Fuqua

February 23, 2013

I love you Aunt Dolores, thank you for always being a wonderful inspiration in my life. I will miss your letters and thoughtful words. I am sure my mom is hugging you at this very moment.

Lydia J Tafoya

February 22, 2013

She was a great neighbor. It was a privalage to know such a wonderful careing woman! Will be greatly missed

derek couch

February 19, 2013

To my beautiful Nina..you were an inspiration not only to me but to many people. You always showed me your love and affection and made me feel important in your life. I love you so much and was very blessed my Mom chose you to be my Godmother. Thank you for all you did for me. I now have another angel watching over me. I love you always Nina!

Kelly Lopez

February 15, 2013

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Dolores Tafoya's name

Memorial Events
for Dolores Tafoya

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Heritage Funeral Chapel - Peoria

6830 W Thunderbird Rd, Peoria, AZ 85381

How to support Dolores's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dolores Tafoya's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more