Dolores Haverstick

Dolores Haverstick, 77, passed away on July 19, 2025, in Ashburn, Virginia. A devoted public servant, passionate educator, and beloved sister and friend, Dolores lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, compassion, and enduring love.

Born on June 5, 1948 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Dolores was the daughter of Edwin and Doris Erskine. She graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1966 before attending William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. There she majored in history and graduated in 1970. It was also at William Jewell that she met Phil Haverstick (Class of '68), whom she married in 1968. Their marriage spanned 57 years and was a source of deep love and mutual respect.

Dolores began her professional career in 1971 as a human relations specialist with the federal government . Over the course of more than three decades until her retirement in 2003, she earned the admiration of her colleagues for her intellect, dedication to public service, and warm demeanor. Her work left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege to work alongside her.

Following her retirement, Dolores continued to share her love of learning by teaching courses on art history and literature at Riderwood, a retirement community in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her students valued not only her knowledge, but also the thoughtful and engaging way she brought subjects to life. She was widely respected as an educator who inspired curiosity and dialogue.

A lifelong lover of history and literature, Dolores found joy in reading and discussing ideas with others. She also had a passion for travel-particularly to England-where she enjoyed exploring the countryside aboard canal boats with friends. These journeys reflected her adventurous spirit and appreciation for culture.

Dolores made her home for many years in College Park, Maryland. She was an enthusiastic supporter of University of Maryland basketball and followed the Washington Nationals baseball team with great interest. Her love for sports was matched by her loyalty to the teams she cheered for season after season.

She is survived by her loving husband Phil, her sister Debbie Blonski (David), and by her brother Scott Erskine (Karen). She was preceded in death by her father Edwin Erskine (2011), mother Doris Erskine (2019), brother Greg Erskine (2024), and brother Mark Erskine (2011).

Dolores will be remembered as a kind-hearted woman whose intellect enriched every conversation and whose compassion touched many lives. Her legacy lives on through those who knew her.

May her memory bring comfort to all who mourn her passing.