Dolores J. Cavalea

Dolores, or as some called her "Dee", or "Honey" was a strong willed talented lady. She was always fair and generous with her family, whom she loved very much. When she met Carl, they married young and had three children. Their union lasted 53 ½ years until Carl passed away.
Growing up, her fondest memories were flying in a small plane with her father piloting, and spending time in Pennsylvannia with her father's family. The family was large and a lot of fun and sometimes they visited New York. She also enjoyed visiting with her husband's family in Port Chester on most Sundays when the children were younger. The meals were deliciously prepared by her mother-in-law. As a young child, Dolores ice skated quite a bit and took ballet lessons. She learned a lot about doing things around the house by watching her father, and she used those skills when they bought their first home in Yonkers, and later moved to Hartsdale.
Dolores held a number of full and part time jobs to help make ends meet. She was a part time cook and then became the head full time cook supervisor for an elementary school. She made jewelry in the evenings for a jeweler, and also performed bookkeeping. During a few summers she even worked at a day camp. Her long term career was with the Yonkers Municipal Housing Authority where she was a tenant supervisor. It was a difficult job but she enjoyed the challenge. She would try to help anyone who wanted to help themselves, and the tenants respected her for that.
Dolores was also talented with her hands. She crocheted intricate patterns, knitted complicated sweaters, sewed clothing and slipcovers, made doll clothes, and enjoyed all kinds of crafts including extensive needlepointing. Her mother used to say that she had "hands of gold".
When she retired, she and Carl enjoyed spending winters in their condominium in Fort Myers Beach. It was a beautiful spot right on the Gulf of Mexico They had many happy times with good friends and family visitors, who she was always very eager to host.
In recent months she used to say that she was ready to be with God. Her wish had been to live to be 90 years old,and despite her numerous health issues, she made that happen on October 13th.
Dolores leaves behind her daughter Susan (Brian), four grandchildren (Amy, Gina, Kathleen & Brian) & eight great grandchildren (Stephanie, Ashley, Kaitlynn, Dylan, Nikki Ann, Tyler, Jake, & Danny), and is at peace with her husband Carl Sr., mom Nettie, dad Henry, brother Richie, daughter Joyce, and her son Carl Jr.