Dolores Ann Townsend

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Dolores Ann Townsend. Dolores passed away at home, surrounded by family, on October 28, 2024, after enduring a long illness.

Dolores was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on October 12, 1942, to Joseph Rogers and Pauline Ohla, the youngest of four sisters. She was raised by her foster parents, Jim and Marion Doran, in a home where the arts were a central focus. It was in this nurturing environment that Dolores discovered her lifelong love of music and dance.

As a young woman, Dolores made the bold decision to leave Connecticut and venture westward. At the age of 21, she hitchhiked all the way to California, where she met her first husband, Ralph Keith Townsend. Together, they had three children. Tragically, Ralph passed away in 1972, leaving Dolores to raise their children on her own. After Ralph's untimely passing, his parents, William and Orpha Townsend, moved Dolores and her children to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where they began a new chapter of their lives.

In 1977, Dolores married Ronald Ray Mathie, and they had one daughter together. The family moved to Wyoming, where Dolores embraced being a homemaker and took an active role in her children's school functions. She did her best to make the holidays special, and it was not uncommon for her to take her children ice skating on frozen rural fields. After several years, Dolores and Ron returned to Idaho, and eventually divorced.

In 1999, Dolores moved to Boise to be near her son while he attended Boise State University. Dolores loved being in a larger community and found a freedom she had never experienced before. She rode the bus all over town to get to and from her various activities. In Boise, her circle of friends widened, and she made lasting friendships that she maintained until her passing. While Dolores loved Boise she wanted to broaden her horizons, prompting one final move.

In 2013, Dolores moved to Everett, Washington, to be closer to two of her children. It was in Everett that Dolores truly blossomed, embracing a newfound sense of independence. She traveled across the country, attended many concerts and shows, and reveled in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Above all, Dolores cherished the time she spent with her beloved family, who meant the world to her.

Dolores was a deeply empathetic and caring woman, whose faith and religious beliefs were central to her life. As a devout Catholic she studied the Bible daily and found comfort and strength in her spirituality. She enjoyed simple pleasures, from crocheting beautiful pieces for loved ones to working on jigsaw and word puzzles, and playing card games that kept her mind sharp. Her grandchildren will always remember the intense Uno and Skip-Bo battles they would wage for hours.

Music was another source of great joy for Dolores. She had a special fondness for the timeless songs of Elvis Presley, Frankie Valli, The Beach Boys, and Dean Martin—easily her favorites. If there was a dance floor, you could bet Dolores would be on it, and she was hands down the best dancer on the floor captivating her audience.

Dolores also cherished the company of her friends and was known for her warm and welcoming nature. She loved spending time with those she cared about and always had a kind word or a listening ear. She never hesitated to help anyone in need.

Dolores leaves behind her children, Jenine (57), Kathy (54), Phillip (52), and Angela (44); her grandchildren, Sicily, Micaela, Robert, and Dominic; her great-grandchildren, Kian, Maliyah, Mia, and Koa; and her cat, Waffles, who was her lifeline in the last years of her life. She is preceded in death by both of her husbands, Ralph and Ron, as well as her grandson Anthony and granddaughter Heavenly.

Dolores was a woman of great spirit, resilience, and love. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, whose lives were enriched by her kindness, humor, and generous heart.