Dolores Mae Smith

Dolores M. Smith was born in Norfolk, Virginia to Frank and Viola Earl in 1932. Dolores' father was a career Naval officer, whose job brought the family to San Diego in 1933. Dolores was raised in a strong Catholic family and went to Rosary High School. In 1949, she met Don Smith, who was attending St. Augustine High. The two became inseparable. Dolores and Don married in 1954. A few years later, they had their first child, Darlene. Shortly thereafter, they had a son, Jim and the family was complete. As a young mom, Dolores enjoyed helping out with the local PTA at Oak Park Elementary School. She was very active in the Brownies and Girl Scouts and enjoyed watching Jim in Little League baseball. Dolores worked at the phone company and later at J.C. Penney's in College Grove. She was extremely proud of having served as a volunteer at the La Mesa Senior Center for over twenty five years. She also was a member of the Women's Club at St. Martin's Catholic Church. Dolores loved her family, her religion, her garden (especially alstroemerias) and spending time with her best friends, Jackie Graves and Lucille Kuey. Lucille and Dolores were lovingly referred to as “twins from different mothers.” Their incredible friendship lasted over 65 years. Dolores was as strong an individual as anyone could imagine. She had the heart of a lion, despite being just over 5' tall. Dolores weathered years of worry with a law enforcement husband and later a son in the profession. In 1997, she battled and beat breast Cancer. Her later years were marked with various medical issues, and ultimately Alzheimer's. For several years, Dolores fought valiantly as the disease stole her incredible smile, her memory and her infectious laugh. Dolores passed away on January 6, 2021 from complications of the disease. Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and husband. She is survived by her daughter, Darlene, son-in-law Tony, son Jim and grandchildren, Vaughn and Tristan.