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Deliana Dooling Obituary
July 3, 1933
March 13, 2013
Deliana (Delia) Dooling passed peacefully, in the company of her sons, into the arms of our Lord on March 13, 2013. She waited, and rightly so, for the first blessing from Pope Francis I. The Orange of Holland is a little less bright today. Delia was the daughter of Gerrit and Maria Meulenkamp, born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. She grew up during WWII while Holland was under German occupation. After the war her family immigrated to the United States and settled in Marin County. She began swimming at old Crystal Plunge in North Beach and quickly became one of "Charlie's (Sava) girls." Soon she was breaking American records and qualified for the 1952 US Swimming team, only after becoming a US citizen by virtue of a special act of Congress signed into law by President Harry Truman. During the 1952 games she became a media sensation when the good looks of the "copper-haired American swimmer" attracted the attention of newspaper reporters and photographers, naming her the "Queen of the Olympics." After her swimming career she worked for PSA Airlines and was the athletic director at the Metropolitan Club. After a 10 year courtship Delia married Jack K. Dooling, a young San Francisco attorney. She then devoted her entire being to lovingly raising her two sons, John and Matthew Dooling ("the boys") and caring for her Mother. She continued to swim daily up until three years ago when her health began to decline. Delia is predeceased by her parents, her husband, sister-in-law Virginia Dooling and her faithful dog Emmy. She is survived by her sons John (Eileen) Dooling and Matthew (Cathy) Dooling and her granddaughters Lily and Annie (arriving April 2013); her brother Jack Meulenkamp and nieces and nephews; her dear Dutch cousins and their families and her old swimming pals, including "her best friend Joan (Spelman)." May God Bless you and keep you Mom, you are now with the One that loves you most. We love you.
The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1pm on March 22nd at Saint Ignatius Church, 650 Parker Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118. Reception to follow. Parking available at Kendrick Hall.
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Memories and Condolences
for Deliana Dooling
March 25, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I was on the '52 Olympic team with your mom and she was one of my favorites. The last time I saw her was when we had the 50 year reunion of the '52 team in New York City--we had a great time.
With deepest sympathy,
Jody Alderson Braskamp
Jill Meulenkamp Cyhaniuk
March 22, 2013
Dear John and Matt (and families);
We were so sorry to hear about Aunt Delia's passing. I am sorry I could not come up for the service, but you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love to all of you!
March 21, 2013
John and Matt: Hang in there - I know how much you loved your Mom. We toasted her on Friday at Foley's. She is in all of our prayers. The Rings
March 20, 2013
Dear John and Matt, I am so sorry to hear about your Mother. I lost mine this past A.ugust. The cycles of life are difficult to understand. Contact me (916) 410-9810 E-Mail [email protected] John C. Sullivan. Tell everybody I am thinking of them.
Marty Ruane
March 20, 2013
Hey John and Matt,
My thoughts and prayers are with you both. I will also say a prayer for your mom as I know how much you both loved and cared for her. I am happy I was able to meet your mom Johnny back in the SFLS days. My mother, Mary, passed in December so now she has a friend to watch over us with from above.Take care, God Bless and I will try and get by on Friday.
Gil Dowd
March 20, 2013
Matt and John:
My condolences dear friends. My prayers are with you during this very difficult time. I always appreciated how close the three of you were.
God Bless You and Your Families.
March 20, 2013
I am very sorry for your loss. Turn to God in prayer for comfort and also turn to his word the bible.
Roger de Souza
March 19, 2013
My prayers and blessings to Matt and John and the entire Family. Peace
Bob Enright
March 19, 2013
Dear John and Matt(the boys), beautiful photo of your mother and wonderful story. now I know where you guys get your good looks!
my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Edward Reidy
March 19, 2013
John and Matt,
My condolenses are with you and your family at this time. I have good memories of seeing your mom swimming in the Post Street pool! See you Friday up at USF.
Ed Reidy
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