Dolores Bolger Curry Schlitzer – November 23, 1934 – September 23, 2025
Predeceased by her parents, Edward and Madeline Bolger, late husbands, Thomas Curry and Raymond Schlitzer, daughter, Nancy Curry Gasper, step-son, Larry Schlitzer, Sister, Beverly Riles, brother-in-law, James Riles, brother, Don Bolger and sister-in-law, Peg Bolger. Survived by her children: Keith (Jane), Jeffrey, Michael (Dianne) and Kathleen Curry (Martin Roberts), and step-children: Mary Ann (Thomas Maszerowski), Raymond W. (Jean Ciulla), William (Patricia), Thomas (Catherine Oliver), Peter and Marta Schlitzer, grandchildren: Shaun (Shannon), Ryan, Nicolas (Karina), Amber, Connor and Shane (Alison) Curry and step-grandchildren: Alanna (Mark Zalone), Elizabeth Maszerowski, Benjamin, Andrew, Jordan and Steven (Breanna) Schlitzer, James, Jonathan (Teri Perillo), Andrew (Kaitlin) Olek.
Dolores was born on November 23, 1934 in Canandaigua, NY to Edward and Madeline Bolger. She was the middle child of three, between her older sister, Beverly and younger brother, Don. She was raised in Canandaigua where she graduated in 1952 and later married Thomas Curry of Rochester, NY. Dolores and Tom were wed in 1954 and went on to have 5 children over the next 9 years. They raised their family in Fairport, NY, where they formed life-long friendships with neighbors.
Some years later, when her kids were in High School and College, Dolores began working as a secretary at St. John of Rochester Church. She had been a member of the Church Choir, Women’s Club and so many committees at St. John’s, that it seemed natural for her to transition to this position. While at a parish dance, Dolores met Raymond Schlitzer, another long-time parishioner. Ray was a “larger than life” widower with 5 of his 7 children still living at home in a neighborhood that backed up to the church. Their mutual love of music and dancing led to a whirlwind romance and they were married a year later on August 2, 1980, with all 12 children in attendance. They would go on to celebrate 41 years together of family birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, funerals, grandchildren being born – all side by side – never wavering in their devotion to one another.
The SJR Community, family, friends and their faith guided them through much of their lives together. Dolores and Ray retired to their home on Santa Drive in Pittsford where they spent 30 years enjoying their family, good friends and neighbors. As Dolores’s Alzheimer’s Disease advanced, they moved together to Heathwood Assisted Living and eventually to the Fairport Baptist Home. In October of 2021, Ray passed away from complications from a stroke. Dolores lived on for the next 4 years, looking forward to visits from friends, children and grandchildren. While her mental and physical health declined, she never lost her beautiful, positive spirit. She continued singing in the choir at Fairport Baptist Home, where the staff loved her spunky “I’m Irish” and “Life is What You Make it” comments. She loved her Dove chocolates, Necco wafers, home-made cookies and sweets of any kind. She loved singing, card-writing, reading and tea parties.
Her family meant everything to her. Her love of music was passed down to her kids and grandkids, alike. Her commitment to life-long learning (going back to school in her 50’s to earn her Social Work degree) and giving back to her community exemplified who she was. On September 23, 2025, while surrounded by music and family, Dolores lost her battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She will be remembered for her beautiful life of faith, hope, love, kindness, grace and courage.
Calling Hours will be on Thursday October 2nd from 4:00-6:00 pm at Richard Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd, Fairport, NY and Funeral Mass will be on Friday, October 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at St. John of Rochester Church, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport NY.
Dolores’s Funeral Mass, at St John of Rochester will be live streamed on Friday October 3rd at 11am for those who are unable to attend:
https://www.stjohnfairport.org/live-stream-mass
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:
Alzheimer’s Association of the Finger Lakes Region
200 Meridian Centre Blvd., Suite 110, Rochester, NY 14618
15 responses to “Schlitzer, Dolores E.”
I am a friend of the Curry family for many years which is how I had the pleasure to meet Dolores. She was always pleasant to me, and always had that smile.
She will now rest in peace.
I will forever remember teasing D as being Mrs. Cleaver. She was a warm, funny, gentle, classy woman!
FONZETTE!!! I was blessed to have had Delores be part of my life. She always made everyone she was around feel special and loved. I will truly miss her laugh. Puts a smile on my face just thinking about it. It makes me smile knowing that she’s with Nancy, Ray and the rest of her family and friends. Long live the “Cool One”!!!!!
Dolores was always a positive upbeat person for other people who didn’t dwell on the hard times. I will remember her love of all things colorful, her smile and her laughter whenever I think of her:)
Dolores,
was like a second mother and family to me, I was lucky to have her in the majority of my life, along with all the Curry’s and Schlitzer families. So many wonderful times and memories were had and those I will cherish forever.May she rest in peace along with Ray, Nancy and all her family and friends.
Dolores was an amazing woman. So kind and gentle but also very strong. She was always a very positive person. I will always remember her beautiful smile. Her whole face lit up with that smile and it lit up everyone’s face around her. I picture her now with Nancy on one side and Ray on the other. Sending hugs and prayers to the whole family.
Delores Here you are in heaven..Ray on one arm Nancy on the other….and you are singing Yellow Ribbons
We were all crying you did such a beautiful job.
Thanks for leaving such a beautiful memory!!!!!!
A choir member
Dolores was truly a special human being. Her gentle demeanor and quick smile were her trademarks. We lived in the same neighborhood for many years and my wife and I feel privileged to have known her. Warm sympathy to her remaining family including my old singing partner, Kathy. Rest well, Dolores. Love David & Barbara
Delores was a beautiful person, always welcoming friends into her home as if they were family. She touched many hearts. Her love will carry on forever. May she rest in peace
Dolores was a beautiful and kind person who raised a wonderful family. May everyone who knew her find comfort and cherish her with fond memories. We never lose those we love, we carry them with us every single day. Dolores may you rest in peace. Wishing family and friends much Aloha.
Delores was a caring and thoughtful neighbor…When my husband died, she sent me a journal to record my first year alone… It is something I will always cherish!
May you rest in peace ….
Dolores was a gracious and loving woman. She welcomed me into her family and became a loving Grammy to our children. She was truly inspiring in her capacity to love others and extend grace. We will always have a special place in our hearts for her. I have no doubts she will continue watching over us. Peace & Love to the Curry and Schlitzer Families
I have known Dolores since growing up with this wonderful and beautiful family. We have shared so many memories together and she always had a special place in our hearts . She will truly be missed and we loved her so very much !
Thinking of you all. I am away until Saturday but send my condolences and a hug to all of the Curry and Schlitzer families. I’ve been honored to share your journey for well over 50 years.
I will never forget “Auntie “ Dolores , such a beautiful smile and spirit! May she rest peacefully and joyfully in the presence of the Lord.