Delores F. Allen Bortolini

Center of our family

Center of our love

Center of the nurturing

Gift from God above

Always giving comfort

Always an encouraging word

Always there to support us

Her gentle voice be heard

Gracious with her gift of time

Gracious with her care

Gracious with her helping hands

Wisdom and love to share

Each family member felt her special love

Each friend felt her loyalty

Each was precious, a lasting bond

She will live in God’s grace, eternally

Delores Bortolini (Dee) lived a full and blessed life, surrounded by her family and friends. Her gentle, loving spirit gave comfort to all in need. She was a caring, loving wife, devoted mother, and an inspiration to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dee had the ability to recognize the strengths in each of her family members embrace the differences and support those in times of difficulty. She had strong faith and determination, and focused on paving her path with accomplishment and grace. She was a loving leader and compassionate in her professional and personal life. She enjoyed being surrounded by family and was an organizer of holidays and family events.

Dee was born June 25, 1929, at Methodist Hospital in Gary, Indiana. Her parents were Joseph and Leona Allen. She was raised in Gary and Wheeler, Indiana. She grew up as the youngest child, with one older brother, Lester, and older sister, Evelyn. As the youngest she enjoyed the attention of her siblings and parents and grew to be out-going and fun-loving. Her childhood years were family-centered; filled with simple activities and family fun. She attended the Christian Church. Her mother, Leona, was a compassionate, loving mother and Dee was quick to adopt these traits.

During her high school years Dee played in the school’s band. Music was always a big part of her life and she carried the love throughout her years.

On February 28, 1948, Dee married Spirit (Pete) F. Bortolini in Gary, Indiana. Dee and Pete began their new lives together in Gary and moved to Hobart, Indiana, shortly before the birth of their first child, Kathy. While living in their first home in Hobart, Dee and Pete met many new couples who became long time friends. Their second daughter, Debbie, and son, Ron, were born while living in this home. Dee enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom and her life revolved around her husband, children’s activities and the many friends. Pete’s job took the family to South Bend, Indiana for a year. While in South Bend, Dee became active in the community as a girl’s troop leader and as a church volunteer.

Moving back to Hobart, Indiana, Pete and Dee bought a second home and began remodeling the home; adding a second story and making many improvements. Dee was busy with the remodeling and with the birth of their fourth child, Lori. Dee continued to be an active member of the community; as a volunteer at the local elementary school, as a Girl Scout Leader, and as a support to the many activities her children were involved in- baton, baseball, and softball. She and Pete enjoyed a rich family life that included dinners and get-togethers at Dee’s parents on Saturdays and at Pete’s parents on Sundays.

Always the support and center of her family, Dee took care of her ailing mother for two years. She and Pete moved Dee’s parents in with them in order to be close with care and love.

In 1968, Dee and Pete moved to Largo, Florida. The move was a big change, as leaving most of the family in the Gary area was a difficult decision to make. Dee and Pete settled in their new home in Largo where they continued to raise their children. Dee remained active in the children’s lives and began her professional work at Pinellas Central Bank in Largo. She worked at the bank for several years and enjoyed the professional relationships and organizations in which she joined. She and Pete took vacations to visit family and friends and planned several cruises where they met new friends and enjoyed time together. Once retired, Dee and Pete moved to Safety Harbor, where they lived for several years. Dee became very active in her grandchildren’s activities, taking them to school, lessons, and many sports activities. She enjoyed crocheting animals and dolls for the grandchildren and for many charities. Dee and Pete spent many winter months in Lake Havasu, Arizona, where they once again met new friends and enjoyed their time together.

Dee and Pete moved, again, to Clearwater where she remained until her death. Throughout her latter years Dee loved being with her eight grandchildren: Greg, Caroline, Jennifer, Renee, Nick, Jeanie, Matt, and Amanda. She was blessed in having time with eight great grandchildren: Fisher, Aliah, Grace, Edward, Kaelyn, Charlie, Henry, and newest baby, Macy Dee.

Dee was a family oriented woman whose life centered around her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was particularly close to her sister’s children and kept in contact with them throughout the years.

Dee was considered a good friend and had many life-long friends in which she kept in touch. She always had time for those important to her and cherished the friendships.

She will be missed by her loving, devoted husband, Pete, who took care of her through the end. She will be treasured by her children and grandchildren who benefited from her loving example.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Moss Feaster Funeral Home - Clearwater Chapel, 693 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33764 / 727-562-2070.