The last time I really spoke to Dolores was at the dinner table during a Christmas meal. She was seated at one end of the table and her two grandsons, Kelvin and Julian, were at the other end. She was very frail and had been quiet but she suddenly turned to me and said in a strong voice that she and I were lucky to have such beautiful grandchildren. This was a common theme of her conversations with me and it is a comfort to know she was still expressing this sentiment to the end of her life.

Firecracker! Hilarious. Feminist. Spirited, and spiritual as a naturalist. Smart. Kind. Firecracker! Considerate. Thoughtful. Loving. A positive role model for how to be a grand mom and a great woman. The world is a bit smaller without her. She sure was a Firecracker!

It was our first year in  Washington, DC, 1991. I had not known Tiffany that long but Delores came to visit. I believe she came all the way in on the train for she did not care much for flying. She was weary but eager to see what culture DC had to offer. So the first stop was an afternoon at the National Gallery of Art. Tiff invited me along. I was just 21 or 22 at the time, I hadn't really developed an appreciation for art quite yet. As we went from room to room in the gallery, I remember very clearly Delores grabbing my arm and asking me to "slow down!" I wasn't sure what she was referring to but I was a little stunned that this woman was telling me what to do. She said I was racing through the exhibits so fast that there was no way I would have a chance to appreciate these amazing works of art. After a moment of reflection, I realized she was right. Delores said I needed to walk through each room slowly and by each picture deliberately and make a conscious effort to appreciate what I saw before me. She made me stop in front of a painting, read its caption, and reflect. It hadn't occurred to me at the time, but Delores was teaching me a very important life lesson. I have never forgotten that afternoon or her wise words. And I have never forgotten the impression that Delores made upon me from that point onward with regards to her vast appreciation and knowledge of art, critical philosophy, culture. She truly believed in a moral society and she held everyone to the highest of standards. Delores, you captured a special place in my heart, and I am only sorry that I could not have spent more time learning from you. You will be truly missed. God bless you. 

Ever since Tiff introduced me to her mom, I felt a deep connection to Delores.  She was so wonderfully sweet and candid, always embracing me with love, kindness and truth.  I adored how committed she was to her Tiffany and Will and was so amused by her candid sense of humor along with her richness in culture, food, history, philosophy, politics, she was a woman that know it all, every literary author and landmark book, how to make lasagna, how to love and give until she had nothing left to give.  She was a generous educator, a cat lover and a proponent of going out there and living life, getting what you want and being happy.  She blessed Tiff and with wise words of wisdom, such a realist, so full of LOVE and Compassion.  Delores was a an amazing role model for me, I loved her as my own dear friend, not just my dearest friend's mom.  Delores exuded the true essence of life, with her strong commitment to her family, she remained honest, full of integrity and love, always giving, feeding, teaching and encouraging us to be our best.  She was my sweet Delores and I was blessed to have her ignite my life with strength, love and purpose.  

Thank You Delores, you are immortal in my heart! 

Yours truly,

Gowri

Delores was unlike any other mother that I knew.  When we were younger, she would speak to us on a mature level, and not as children or teenagers.  She was honest and forth wright with whatever she had on her mind, and will never be remembered as being dull or without opinion.  I would leave her conversations feeling like I'd just sat in on a university class.  She always gave me insights into thoughts and opinions that I may not have considered had I not conversed with her.  I always looked forward to our short visits before or after Tiffany and I would go out.

As for being an incredible Mother of two of my best friends.  Well, just look at the end product and that tells it all.  She has raised two amazing people who give so much to their families, friends and their communities.  Her tireless efforts will resonate in their lives and their children's lives for decades to come.

Thank you Lord, for blessing and enriching our lives by allowing us to have known this wonderful woman, Delores.

Delores gave us so many memories of a fun-loving, spirited mom.  She demonstrated what it was like to laugh with your kids, share in the mischief, and most of all have opinions and convictions. Her house was filled with love, acceptance, and laughter. It was beautiful to watch her relationship with Tiffany develop and grow through the years. They were always there for each other. I am grateful to know Delores and witness her love.