Dolores DeJames (Dolly or Blondie), 89, of Columbia, SC passed away in Laurel, MD on Sunday, February 7th, 2021.
She was born in Buffalo, NY, on August 5th, 1931, daughter of the late Anastasia (ne Lewandowski) and Walter Zawislak. She grew up and lived most of her life in Buffalo. She worked for the U.S. Navy and the I.R.S., but her primary focus was her home and family. Dolores especially enjoyed sewing and cooking and loved to play cards with family and friends. In 2008, she moved to Columbia, South Carolina to be near two of her children and often spent time in Maryland and Virginia with her other three children.
Dolores was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Robert DeJames, her brother, Walter Zawislak (Carol) and her sisters, Marian Ranalli (Tony) and Ginger Lawandus (Leo). She is survived by her brother, Frank (Dian), her daughters, Karen Hattler (Jim), Robin Hartle (Greg), and her three sons, Marc, Scott (Bernadette), and Jeffrey (Shawn). She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren: Erika Hattler (Amjad Ali), Sara Dickerson (Matt), Bobby Hartle, Brittany Swallow (Chris), Gregory Hartle, Keleigh Hartle, Abby Holland (Ethan), Jill DeJames, Scotty DeJames, Dylan DeJames, Torin DeJames, Aidan DeJames, Pierson DeJames, and 5 great-grandchildren (with one more on the way) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A memorial mass is being planned for Summer 2021 when she will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Dolores was a longtime parishioner at St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Parish in Williamsville, NY and following her move to South Carolina, St. Joseph Catholic Church. Dolores was a devoted supporter the Missionaries of Charity, an organization started by Mother Teresa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor and sent to:
*Missionaries of Charity / 335 East 145th Street / Bronx, NY 10451
* Funds can be specified to go to Calcutta, India or to Haiti, where the need is greatest.
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