Dolores Frances Windt

Dolores was born on August 28, 1933, to Ernest J. and Frances Rita Hewitt Tassinari in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Dolores married James (Jim) Henry Windt on September 4, 1954.

Dolores attended Our Lady of Grace Catholic School for elementary school, graduated from Chelsea High in 1951, and attended Salem Teachers College (now named Salem State University). Dolores also obtained a Master’s of History degree from George Mason University. In 1967, Dolores graduated from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, with a degree in education. Dolores was very appreciative of Jim’s encouragement and support in pursuing her educational goals (“You can do it Dolores!”). In 1968, Dolores started a 26-year career in education. She was widely recognized for her expertise in education and innovative practices in the classroom. As a testament to that career, former students contacted Dolores and her children many times to thank Dolores for her teaching and mentorship.

While Jim served in the U.S. Air Force, Dolores, Jim, and their family were stationed in Washington D.C., Hampton, VA (Jim was working for NASA), Albuquerque NM, Tokyo Japan, Omaha Nebraska (SAC headquarters), Norfolk and Washington D.C. (Alexandria). In 1968, the family moved to Hayfield, VA.

Dolores retired from teaching in 1993. In retirement, Dolores’ voracious appetite for learning continued. She pursued activities in the arts, poetry, travel, history, photography, reading, watching the Washington Nationals, and of course, with children and grandchildren. Dolores committed early on to social media just so she could communicate with, learn from, and support her family.

Dolores was a care giver and dedicated her life to helping her family, her friends, and her students. She will be deeply missed.

Dolores was predeceased by husband, James Windt and daughter, Therese Windt. She is survived by her daughter, Frances Akridge and her husband Scott, her son Gerard and his wife Julie, and her son John and his wife Kelly. As well as her grandchildren, Jesse, Jared (Roxanne), Jaime (David), and Joshua. In addition, she is survived by her great grandchildren Zander Gerke, Lennox Gerke, Sloan Jafari-Windt, and Kellen Jafari-Windt, as well as Alexandra and Samantha Koerth.

Services will be held at Quantico Cemetery on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., where Dolores will be interned with her husband, James. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Education Association or the Reading Is Fundamental Organization. Dolores felt strongly about both of these organizations.