Dolores Marie Del Bono

Dolores was raised in Chicago by her loving parents, Emmett and Lorraine, alongside her brother, Al, and sister, Marlene.

Dolores married the love of her life, Joseph Carl Del Bono, on May 16, 1964. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on love, family, tradition, and unwavering devotion to one another. She was a cherished wife and a beloved mother to Joseph Carl Del Bono Jr. and Marc Anthony Del Bono.

After relocating from Chicago to California, Joe and Dee made Borrego Springs their home. Following Joe’s passing in 2004, Dee remained deeply rooted in the community, building a life rich in friendship, service, and cherished memories over nearly five decades as a devoted resident and community member.

Dee was devoted to raising her children and once they were on their own, she began a career as the dining room hostess at La Casa Del Zorro Resort & Spa where she enjoyed the camaraderie of her fellow workers and remained a valued employee there for nearly 20 years, earning Employee of the Year honors in 1999. In her time off she enjoyed off-roading in the desert an found comfort and joy in reading and especially loved the novels of Clive Cussler.

Lovingly known as “Nana,” Dee was the proud grandmother to seven beautiful grandchildren; Nicole, Danielle, Brianna, Dominic, Brenae, Jaxon, and Donovan Del Bono. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, creating memories that will be treasured for generations.

Dee’s passion for cooking Italian food became one of the cornerstones of her family’s traditions. Side-by-side in the kitchen with Joe’s grandmother, Rose Del Bono, Dee learned treasured family recipes that she lovingly perfected and passed down through generations. Through every meal she prepared, Dee brought her family together with warmth, laughter, and love.

In 1964, Joseph and Dee began the beloved family tradition known as “Ravioli Day,” a tradition that continues to this day and stands as a lasting symbol of the love and unity they created together. She lovingly passed many of her cherished family recipes and cooking traditions on to her daughters-in-law, Diana and Kalyn Del Bono.

As the matriarch of the Del Bono family, Dee will forever be remembered for her strength, kindness, warmth, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on through the family traditions she created the lessons she shared, and the countless lives she touched.