Dolores Lolita Vega

Dolores “Lolita” Vega, beloved sister, aunt and friend was born on Sept. 17, 1938 in New Orleans, Louisiana and died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Sept 9, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was 86 years old.

Lolita’s mother, Rita Usner Vega, died when Lolita was only 2 years old. She was legally adopted and lovingly raised by Rita’s sister Geraldine Usner (LaGreca). Geraldine married Joseph LaGreca in 1950, and he became Lolita’s step-father. All three preceded her in death.

She is survived by her sister, Gerry Klein and her half-sister, Debbie Vega Vespucci; her niece, Debbie Gard (John), and nephew, Scott Klein; grand-nephews Tyler Gard (Jordyn) and Coen Klein-Bahr, and grand-nieces Krysten Gard and Kaia Klein-Bahr. She is also survived by her great-grand-nephew, Grayson Gard. She will also be greatly missed by her furry four-legged friends Bella, Moose and Maisie.

Lolita worked as a foreign exchange accounting technician for the US government for 35 years until her retirement in 1995. She converted and reconciled foreign currencies from many countries into U.S. dollars with accuracy and efficiency. After her retirement, her supervisor said it took several people to replace her.

A proud and active member of the American Legion Auxiliary of New Orleans, Lolita served as First District DEC and President, and as treasurer and chaplain for Ed Brauner Unit 307 for many years. Always generous with her time, she volunteered at countless VA hospital parties sponsored by the legion. Lolita was a member of the Golden Age group and was a maid in their Mardi Gras ball. She also rode on a float in the Iris parade.

Outside of her community work, Lolita found joy in eating and cooking New Orleans cuisine, hosting her rosary group, bowling, gardening and entertaining friends and family. She was a member of the choir who sang for the pope when he visited New Orleans. In March of 2020, she moved to Colorado Springs to live with her sister in the foothills of the mountains. She enjoyed the mountain views and seeing bears, mountain lions, deer, hummingbirds and other animals while sitting on the deck or looking at photos from their wildlife cameras.

Lolita will be remembered for her deep faith, extremely generous spirit, sense of humor, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Always young at heart, she was the life of the party and knew exactly what she believed in and wanted. Her life touched many and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd in New Orleans on Friday September 26, 2025. Visitation will be held from 11am until 2pm, followed by a mass of Christian Burial. Interment will take place at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, masses or donations to the American Heart Association are preferred.