Dolores Vetrone

Virginia Dolores Vetrone, affectionately known throughout her life as Dolores, passed away on September 13, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born on April 18, 1937, Dolores was the daughter of the late Michael and Helen Daraban. She shared 62 years of marriage with her beloved husband, the late Dominic Vetrone, building a life centered around family, home, and the many simple traditions that became treasured memories over the years.

Dolores was the loving mother of the late Andrew Vetrone, the late Michael Vetrone, Stephen (Connie) Vetrone, Donald (Madeline) Vetrone, and Christina (Brian) Laveirge. She was a proud grandmother to Elaina (Shawn) Conner, Jennifer Vetrone, the late Alisha Vetrone, Samantha (Joe) Fox, Bradley Vetrone, Stephanie (Matt) Northrup, Brian (Jennifer) Laveirge, Tiffany (Brett) Shemanski, and Christopher (Brittany) Laveirge. Her family continued to grow with the blessing of 18 great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Dolores will also be remembered by her special family friend, Joanne Fairbanks; her longtime neighbors, Mark and Linda Pernak; and the many extended family members and dear friends throughout the years.

Those who knew Dolores knew that she could be feisty and stubborn—and those qualities were part of what made her so dearly loved. She knew what she liked, knew how she wanted things done, and wasn't afraid to let you know. Beneath that determined spirit was a woman who showed her love in practical and lasting ways, especially by caring for and feeding the people around her.

If you came to Dolores' home, chances were good that you were going to be fed. Cooking for her family was one of the ways she expressed her love, and there was always plenty to go around. For the grandchildren, there was another important tradition: Grandma's candy drawer, always waiting to be raided when they came to visit.

Dolores was also an amazing gardener. Her vegetable garden was her primary focus, but her love of growing things extended well beyond it. Flowers and plants filled her home and surroundings, and she took great pride in tending to them. When she wasn't gardening, she enjoyed reading, particularly mysteries, although she was happy to read just about anything Steve brought her.

Some of Dolores' happiest memories were made alongside Dominic. She loved going out on the boat with him and spending time fishing on the lake. Family outings were important as well, including memorable trips with the children to Bob-Lo Island—days that became part of the Vetrone family's story and are still remembered fondly today.

More than anything, Dolores' life was rooted in her family. Through meals around the table, vegetables from the garden, candy from the drawer, days on the lake, family outings, and countless ordinary moments shared together, she created traditions and memories that will remain with those who loved her.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Solosy Funeral Home. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Lincoln Park, where Dolores will lie in state beginning at 10:30 AM, followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.

Following Mass, Dolores will be laid to rest beside her beloved Dominic at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery.