Dolores Christina Tencza

Dolores "Dolly" Christina (nee Primozic) Tencza passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the age of 94. She was born and raised in Chicago, IL, to the late Rudolph J. and Sabina Agnes Primozic.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph J. Tencza, her son, Joseph Tencza (Christina), and her six siblings. Dolores is survived by her children, Michael (Cathy) Tencza, Sharon (Mark) Perkins and Cathy (Pat) Adams; her grandchildren, Danielle (Scott), Megan, Morgan, Gage, Ryley, Alyssa (Josh), Nick; and her great-grandson, Beckett. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Jan Primozic as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Dolly devoted her life to caring for others, a role she embraced from a young age. As the oldest daughter, she helped care for her mother during a long illness and stepped in to support her younger siblings after the loss of both parents far too early. That quiet strength and sense of responsibility became the foundation of her life. Later, her world centered around her own children, then her grandchildren, and most recently her great-grandson.

Anyone who met Dolly was struck by her gentle, kind nature. She carried herself with a sweetness that never wavered, paired with a deep independence and resilience. She possessed a remarkable strength. Her motto was always "mind over matter." No matter what she was facing, her answer was always the same. She was "fine" or "good." Even in her final days, despite serious health challenges, she met each moment with quiet grace and an unwavering spirit.

She also had a playful side that made her unforgettable. Dolly loved to teasingly joke and laugh, especially at herself, often making light of her own clumsiness. She had a knack for turning the ordinary into something meaningful, crafting little creations from everyday items that, whether beautiful or not, became cherished pieces of her world.

She was, in her own way, a master of improvisation. She believed that just about anything could be fixed with enough duct tape, much to the dismay of those who later had to undo her handiwork.

As a mother, she created a childhood filled with imagination and freedom. One winter, she helped turn the backyard into a homemade ice rink, flooding it with water after the kids built towering snowbanks. Another time, she patiently assisted her children and their friends in transforming the basement into a full haunted house, complete with makeshift rooms, decorations, and neighborhood kids lining up to experience it.

Dolly's home was always open, not just to people but to animals in need. Over the years, she welcomed everything from cats and birds to injured wildlife, pet snakes, and even an ever-growing family of gerbils. If something needed care, she found a way to give it.

As "Granny," she was pure joy. She built blanket forts, pushed swings for hours, and turned her basement into a place where anything was allowed, with chalk drawings on the floor, games, laughter, and endless play. She was always ready for a trip to the zoo, the park, or wherever her grandchildren wanted to go.

In the quiet, unassuming way she lived, Dolly showed that love is not found in grand gestures, but in the small, selfless acts that fill a lifetime. Her kindness, humility, and gentle spirit are woven into every life she touched.

Services for Dolores will be held at a later date in Chicago. Arrangements are by Beck-Givnish Life Celebration Home, 7400 New Falls Rd., Levittown, PA 19055.