Dolores Francis Wright

Dolores Francis Wright, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and devoted Catholic whose life was defined by family, perseverance, and love, died on Oct. 4 in Brooklyn. She was 79.

Born in 1947, Dolores grew up in Park Slope with her parents, Edward and Helen, and her siblings, Edwina, Edward, and Mary Jane. Brooklyn was a foundational part of her life. As a child, Dolores spent many happy days walking in the neighborhood and Prospect Park with her father and siblings. Those walks became part of the simple, everyday memories of her childhood and helped create a deep connection with her family and the borough.

“Dolores loved to play little pranks as a child, and my mom enjoyed playing along. They had a similar sense of humor,” Mary Jane says. “We were happiest when we were together.”

Dolores’s two sons, Ray and Jeffrey, were the center of her life. As a single mother, Dolores worked hard to provide for her boys. They did not have much, but Dolores made sure they had what mattered most: a home, a family, and each other.

“I inherited my determination and work ethic from Mom. My willingness to show up, work hard, and do what needs to be done was set by her example,” Jeff says.

Dolores had a wonderful love of music. She played Beatles records with the boys when they were young and enjoyed singing songs and performing: one of her favorites was the theme song from All in the Family, “Those Were the Days.” Her love of singing was one of the many ways she brought joy and personality to every occasion.

As a devoted Catholic, Dolores’s faith was an important part of her life, and family was always at the heart of Dolores’s home. She hosted just about every holiday, filling her house with relatives, conversation, laughter, and festive decorations and food.

Dolores had a special place in her heart for animals. She had a habit of bringing home pets in need to join the family, including dogs, cats, and a flock of parakeets named after her siblings. “Mom’s face would light up when we brought her ‘grand doggy,’ Suki, for a visit!” Ray says.

Her greatest legacy is the love she gave to her sons and family, the traditions she created, the songs she sang, the meals she shared, and the many people and animals she welcomed into her life. She will be remembered for her strength as a mother, her devotion to her faith and family, her love of music, her generous heart, and the unmistakable Brooklyn spirit that stayed with her throughout her life.

Dolores will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and friends and all those whose lives she touched, including her son Ray and his wife Meesha; her son Jeff and his wife Sharan; her sister Mary Jane and her husband Tim; her nephew Fred, his wife Ruth, and their daughter Lisa; her longtime family friend James; and her aide and companion Ava.

And from her sister Mary Jane, a final farewell to her beloved big sister, friend, and guidance counselor: “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

May she rest in peace.

Friday October 16th the family will be attending the 8:30 am public mass at St. Catharine of Alexandria RC Church on 1119 41st st Brooklyn NY 11218. We will then head to Green-Wood Cemetery for the inurnment and then lunch.