Dolores Horvat

Dolores Theresa Szyniszewski was born on January 17th, 1930 in Detroit Michigan; the youngest child of Frank and Francis Szyniszewski. Her siblings were Arthur, Eleanor, Harry, Rita and Edna. Raised as a devout Polish Catholic, she attended St. Florian school in Hamtramck, Michigan.

On August 13, 1949 she married John Richard Horvat. A year later she became pregnant with her first child. During her pregnancy she was stricken with polio, but went on to have a healthy baby. Lindsay, her first born, was followed by Christopher and Marianne. After a nine year break, she gave birth to three more children; Nancy, John and Janet. She had six children just like her beloved mother Francis, who she missed every day and is now joined with in heaven. She also had six grandchildren; Kyle, Eric and Jason Scott; Kristen Methven and Andrew and Tyler Totin. She loved and was proud of each one.

Sadly, in 1979, her husband John passed away. With small children yet to raise, she went back to work and started taking college courses, eventually earning a Master’s with honors in psychology. She became a licensed psychologist in 1986 and worked in a clinical setting for many years. In this capacity, she touched the lives of many; not only her clients, but also her associates and colleagues.

Throughout her life, Dolores suffered from post-polio syndrome and, in 2002, had another medical set-back from a fall. Although left with more physical complications she continued to work until 2011. When she retired from practicing psychology; she started anew and began training as a Stephen Ministry volunteer at her church, St. Patrick’s in White Lake.

Her determination influenced us all. She was never handicapped because she never let her physical limitations dictate what she could accomplish. Her spirit and resolve were legendary.

Affectionately known as “Dolly” to her family and close friends, she will be dearly missed.

It was always mom’s intention not to miss out on any social gathering or event; after her beloved brother Harry died in 2005, she continued to hold a party on his birthday, December 27th in his honor. Her last birthday in January was celebrated in style by a 1930's Art Deco-themed party. In May, she attended the high school graduation of her youngest grandchildren, a goal she had set for herself when they were born. Aunt Dolly wanted to be the last to leave any party and life was no exception. She was the last survivor of her generation – the proverbial last man standing!

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2019 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm (Rosary 7:00pm) at the Union Lake Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 1233 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 11:00am (In State 10:00am) at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 9086 Hutchins Road, White Lake. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township.

Those wishing to make a donation in her memory may do so to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mount Elliott Street in Detroit. Dolores was a proud supporter of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen and very pleased with the help and care they offered to the community.