Dolores M Franklin

Dolores Del Gaudio Franklin, 91, passed away peacefully at her home on January 18, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Dolores was born on August 27, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York to Marguerite and Albert Del Guidio. She attended Bay Ridge Girl’s High School and graduated from Pratt Institute.

After graduation, she moved to Houston, Texas with her parents. Soon after, she met Charles Franklin at Foley’s, where they both were working; they fell in love and then married on June 10, 1951. In 1952, they started their family of four. Her children were the most important part of her life, the love and compassion she shared with them was always unconditional.

Dolores worked as an Executive Catering Manager at the Westin Oaks for 25 years; she loved her job and the friendships she made there. Those friendships she kept and nurtured and will forever be one of her biggest joys in her life. She was selected to be a member of the Executive Women of Houston; this was an organization of outstanding business women of Houston. This was an honor she was very proud to receive.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles F. Franklin, survived by her brothers; Albert and Sal Del Gaudio; her four children, Deborah Kay, Charlene, Charles, and Marguerite; her loving sons-in-law, Terry Bell and Daniel Beltrano. Also survived by, her grandchildren; Michael Zahn, Victoria and Zach Sawyer, Garrett and Carley Franklin, Alexis and Reid LaGrone, Travis and Ricki Bell, Cameron and Daniella Bell, and Caetano Beltrano. Also great grandchildren; Riverson, Larkin, Connor, Hayes, Tucker, Vivienne, Owen, and Parker.

Dolores was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and the ocean. Everything she did was perfection; nobody could decorate a Christmas tree like Deli. She will be deeply missed by all.

She is now joined with Charles in heaven, may they dance like Ginger Rodgers and Fred Astaire.