She was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey on November 7, 1932 to Rocco and Lena Cardell.
She wore many hats throughout her life. She became a Registered Nurse, a Health Educator, a Newspaper Editor, a business owner, the Founder of the U.C.W.’s (Uncontrollable Wives), Mt. Olive Chamber of Commerce, Sprow Award Recipient, and a Community Volunteer. She was well-known and loved in her Community.
She and Miltie moved to Largo, Florida during their retirement years where they enjoyed the Theatre, the Botanical Gardens, the beautiful Florida Wildlife, and Card Games with friends.
Dolores was pre-deceased by her husband Milton, her sister Doris Shepherd, and her son-in-law, Patrick Kennedy.
Dodie leaves behind her children Richard (Liz) Ortiz, Kim (Doug) Cole, Tracey Kennedy, Robert (Leigh) Ortiz, and her sister Janice (Jerry) Zichelli. Her 9 Grandchildren, Matthew (Gina) Hynson, Brian (Dierdre) Hynson, Kevin (Jessie) Hynson, Rory Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Julian Ortiz, Cameron Ortiz, Emma Ortiz, and Celia Ortiz. Her 4 Great-Grand Children, Anthony and Mia Hynson, and Lena and Kevin Hynson. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. And so many wonderful friends, many of whom she considered family as much as friends.
Dodie was a fantastic keeper of family history, and a great story teller. She encouraged a yearly tradition of having her family volunteer, do charity work, or make a donation to a worthy cause and then write or tell her what they did. It is a tradition we will continue to carry on in her Honor & Memory!
A private service for family only will be held in NJ on June 27th and at a later date in Largo, Florida for family and Friends.
In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to The Largo Botanical Gardens or St. Jerome Life Line Ministry at
10895 Hamlin Blvd
Largo, Fl 33774
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