Dolorose Mathilde Ray

Dollie was the second of four children born to Victoria (nee Smolarczyk) and Albert Dutzki. She was born in Rogoznik, Poland – temporarily renamed Martinau, Germany during the time of Prussian/German rule. Even though she was born in Poland, her cultural influence was German. Her early life coincided with WW2 in Europe.

At the age of 3 she was placed in an orphanage, where she remained until reclaimed by her mother at age 12 in order to help care for four younger siblings from her mother's second marriage.

A highlight of her teens was a 6 month stay with her aunt and uncle at their ski lodge in the Beskidy mountains of Poland, where she skied and helped at the lodge.

On her own initiative, she was able to attend a women's teacher's college where she was happy, and excelled for several years. It was there that she mastered English, which would serve her well later as an interpreter for a U.S. military general after the war, as well as for her life in the U.S.

Dollie's stay at the college was cut short as students were sent away in 1945 to escape the approaching Russian army. She was a refugee throughout the remainder of the war and the postwar occupation. Her fiercely independent and resilient nature was forged during this time of hardship and uncertainty.

During the occupation she met and married U.S. Army soldier Lyle Barry. In 1952 they traveled to America, along with their first child Patricia, where she became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Two more children followed, Jennifer and Michael. Dolorosa and Lyle were later divorced. The family lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

She married a second time to Bob Ray, the marriage didn't last but she kept the name. She later moved with a real estate brokerage company to Everett, Washington and then, upon her retirement in 1997 to Palm City, Florida, where she resided until her passing.

Dollie earned her realtor's and broker's licenses in Colorado and Florida. She had a great interest in astrology, and her hobby was preparing astrological charts for friends and family.

She was a passionate and devoted animal lover, and had numerous dog companions over the years. She favored Dobermans, and later Pugs. Her last beloved pet and loyal companion was a beautiful tuxedo cat named Buddha.

She is remembered by her family and friends as being a strong, independent woman who told vivid and captivating stories about her life before coming to America. She truly had a most remarkable life.

She is survived by her sister Bridget Aragon, her three children Patricia Barry Levy (Lloyd), Jennifer Turgiss (Bruce), and Michael Barry, her grandchildren Nick Turgiss and Oksana Turgiss, niece Britta Aragon and nephew Javier Aragon.

Memorial Donation gifts can be made to her local animal shelter, the Treasure Coast Humane Society.

https://hstc1.org/