My dear mother, Dolores Soltis, passed away quite unexpected the day after Christmas, capping an already difficult year. As the older of her two sons, I want to take this opportunity to briefly honor her life and let everyone know how special she was.

Born in Nanticoke in 1932, as the youngest of five children to John and Pearl (Magaleski) Gizinski, my mother is a 1951 graduate of Nanticoke High School. She worked locally for McGregor's and Woolworth's as a young adult before raising two sons as a single parent. Later in life, as she neared retirement, she worked for the American Red Cross as one of their site coordinators.

My mother was genuinely kind, compassionate and warm. She could make me laugh and drive me crazy (pretty sure I drove her just as crazy). Easy to smile, my mother truly enjoyed life. She was a ray of sunshine whose positive outlook shone brightly. When we talked on the phone, she would always start by giving me the local weather report. Always. Hallmark Christmas movies were a favorite but she also watched NFL games. When I visited, she enjoyed telling me stories about her life growing up in Nanticoke.

If my mom were writing this, she would no doubt give a shout-out to the many friends she made during her trips to Gerrity's, Rite Aid and Citizen's Bank. No errand was complete unless she had a chance to chat with the people that worked there. I am grateful for the friendships she shared with Bessie, Theresa, Janice and Jeanie at Park Towers. She truly cherished all of you and thought of you as family. I am comforted knowing she was surrounded by such genuinely kind people. No doubt, I have missed many on this list. Finally, my cousin Karen has my enduring gratitude for helping my mother with so many things when I could not be there. She is truly special.

I'm proud to be your son, mom. I was blessed to have you as my mother. Brother Joe and I will miss you every day but we will be fine. You did a wonderful job raising us. Rest in peace, your son, Michael.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in St. Mary of Czestochowa Cemetery, Nanticoke. There will be no calling hours. Those attending are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, I kindly ask that donations be made in her memory to the American Red Cross. I think my mother would like that.

Should you wish to leave a condolence for Dolores' family, please visit our website at www.kearneyfuneralhomeinc.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Leader from Jan. 2 to Jan. 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Dolores Soltis

10 Entries

January 4, 2021

MIKE AND JOE I AM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOU MOM I MISS YOU GUYS YOUR FRIEND ALWAYS RICK GREVERA

January 3, 2021

Mike and Joe,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Mike, Your letter to your Mom was beautiful, She would be proud!

Love,
Tori

Joan G

January 3, 2021

A beautiful tribute to your mother. Although I don't know you, your genuine words made me think how lucky your mom was to have you as a son. May she rest in peace. Joan G.

Susan Grevera

January 3, 2021

Mike and Joe , Sorry to hear of your loss ,thoughts and prayers be with you at this time.

Gregg Sprow

January 3, 2021

Mrs. Soltis was my second mother. Growing up with Mike and Joe, I spent a lot of time at their house. She filled us with pierogis and iced tea and was always kind and nurturing. Above all she was very patient and tolerant with a home full of boys playing games or sports. She sacrificed to allow her boys to prosper. I am forever grateful for the love she gave me and for her personal care of my grandmother after suffering a stroke. I always will remember her smile and her funny laugh. Rest in Peace. Love, Gregg

January 3, 2021

I would like to say your son wrote such beautiful words to show that you have done a great job raising your 2 sons. God bless and may you rest in peace.

Theresa Yankoski Wyzinski

January 3, 2021

Wanted to say I think you wrote a very BEAUTIFUL obituary for your mom. I knew the Gizenski family from St. Mary's Church in Nanticoke. And my cousin Margaret is related to Gizinski's. Margaret lives in Nanticoke. So I could possibly be related to Gizinski's. I was born and raised in Nanticoke. Belonged to St. Marys Church and went to St. Mary's Parochial School for 8 years. Most of my moms family and my father are buried in St. Mary's Cemetery. Through Ancestry DNA I found that Cousin Margaret and I are related to so many people in Nanticoke! I see Dolores was born a year before my late 1st Cousin Elaine Dzialdowski Palombo. She graduated from Nanticoke in 1952. She belonged to St. Mary's Church. Dolores was like my mother! Had to speak to everyone when she shopped! I would have to stand there quietly until she was done speaking. That is how Nanticoke women are!
I am the actual cousin of Pope John Paul II.
I grew up down the street from MacGregors. Lived across the street from the Cemeteries.
My Deepest Sympathy to you and your brother and all your family.

January 3, 2021

What a wonderful tribute to your mother! She would be so proud of you! Thank you for sharing it.

EJM

Melanie Yashinski

January 3, 2021

This is a beautifully written tribute to your mom . She was my Grandmothers sister and my memories of her are all great. She was always kind and happy, loved PSU football too. She told me once how she had fun playing BINGO and other things with her friends where she lived. Always spoke highly about her boys and was very proud of them . She was a strong person and understood how hard it was to raise boys ( she told me as I had three ! ) She will always hold a special place in my heart. I am truly sorry for your loss, Michael and Joey! Rest In Peace Aunt Dolores! Love , Melanie , Tom, Ryan, Troy and Cory .

MME

January 2, 2021

I don’t know you....but I wanted to let you know how beautiful I thought this tribute to your beloved mother is. I am sorry for your loss. It brought tears to my eyes. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. God bless.

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