Dolores M. Cromley, a cherished matriarch, loyal friend, and witness to nearly a century of world history, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, at the age of 94. Born in the midst of the Great Depression on August 10, 1931, Dolores grew up during an era of profound global change. Her early years instilled in her a quiet resilience, a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, and an unwavering commitment to her family and friends. Throughout her 94 years, she always remained anchored by her core values of faith, family, kindness, patience, and grace. Dolores worked in sewing factories and ended her career as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone before retiring in 1994 Dolores was the heart and soul of her family. She was known for her warm smile, giving heart, and quirky sayings. She created a home filled with laughter, love, and the comforting aromas of her favorite recipes. No one can forget the 15-pound lasagnas, duck for Christmas, cheese pies, awesome anise cookies, and all her fabulous cakes. Dolores could whip up an entire dinner faster than anybody - including salad, meat, 2 vegetables (each a different color), and a starch. Her legacy is one of steadfast devotion—to her children, her grand and great-grandchildren, and the many friends who became like family over her long and beautiful journey. She loved and excelled at sewing, crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitch. She loved her puzzles and game shows.

She is reunited in peace with the loved ones who passed before her. She leaves behind her sister Linda Abbott (Bryan), all seven children: Rosa White, Joanne Herrmann (Kenny), John (Jo Ann), Donna Kramer (Phil), Roger (Debbie), Louann Verratti (Tommy) and Donald; Grandchildren Rayford Hodges, Colleen Mayer (Fabrice), Jennifer Toal, Jason Cromley, Jessica Cromley, Andrea Pustizzi (Jason), Evan Kramer, Joshua Cromley (Jordan), Benjamin Cromley (Ciara), Alexa Mountain (Bryan), Michael Altbaum (Kristina), Troy Altbaum (Justina), Nicole Moore (Jacob), Misty Cromley, John Cromley, Jack Cromley, several great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

From the grandchildren and great-grandchildren:

We grew up knowing that no matter how old we became, we would always be Grandmom’s grandchildren. Her home, her hugs, and her love were constants in our lives. She celebrated our joys, comforted our hearts, and reminded us what security felt like - all without judgment.

Whether she greeted us with a warm “Howdy!” or “Hi, Sugar Plum,” or wrapped us in one of her big, tight, infamous hugs that somehow made everything feel okay, she had a way of making each of us feel special. She gave us a place where we felt welcomed, accepted, and loved simply for being ourselves. Her hugs, laughter, stories, and steady presence became the backdrop of so many of our happiest memories. She had a saying for just about everything, and somehow they always made us laugh. Some made perfect sense, others made none at all, but every one of them sounded exactly like Grandmom. They became part of our family’s language, and we’ll hear her voice every time one of them slips into conversation. Whether gathered around her table, celebrating holidays, having sleepovers where we could stay up late, watching game shows together, working on word searches side by side, or simply sharing everyday moments, she was home.

Her love lives on not only in our hearts, but in the handmade crochet blankets she lovingly created. They are more than blankets, they are pieces of her that will continue to wrap around us when we need to feel close to her, and one day, around the generations that come after us.

Her greatest gift wasn’t anything she could give us; it was the way she made us feel loved.

Her greatest legacy is not found in the years she lived, but in the generations she loved. We see pieces of her kindness, strength, humor, and unwavering love reflected throughout our family.

We will miss her every day, but we will also carry her with us every day.

With broken hearts, we thank you, Grandmom, for a lifetime of unconditional love. We are deeply grateful for the privilege of being your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will carry your lessons, your love, and the memories you gave us for the rest of our lives. Because of you, a part of your love will live on in each of us, and in every generation that follows.

Until we meet again.

Services will be held privately at the request of the family.