Dolores Theresia Sarpolus' Obituary
Dolores Theresia Sarpolus, age 92, of Keego Harbor, MI passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Survived by her children Edward Sarpolus, Mary (William) Mellerowicz, & Victor (Laura) Sarpolus. Niece Kathleen (James) Stamper, sister in-law Vickie Schnaubelt, including 12 Great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews and 11 Great-Great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Preceding her in death was her husband of 56 years Victor Sarpolus, her Parents Edward & Theresa Schnaubelt, her brothers Edward & Donald Schnaubelt, niece Maria Schnaubelt, uncles Alex, George, and Edward Papke.
Dolores, born November 24, 1929, raised in the City of Detroit, attending grade schools of St Edward and St Elizabeth. As the oldest child, began demonstrating her caring skills by helping her family take care of elders at their family home. Especially, when her younger brother Donald contracted polio. Influenced by singing religious music at church, she fell in love with music. Planning on becoming a professional singer. Career path changed when her childhood friend became the love of her life. Married Victor Sarpolus in 1952 and committed to raising a family. That did not stop her singing. One of her last performances was singing at late husband's funeral in 2008. Dolores and Victor planned what music she was going to sing in his honor.
Her commitment to raising a family meant also looking out for other children and helping them if injured. Belief in her faith and God, helped her guide others to find faith and become baptized into the Catholic Faith. She loved arts and crafts and had a green thumb for growing flowers and other plants. At home you could find her starting avocado, olive trees and watching them grow. Active at her children’s schools and other extracurricular activities did not stop her from caring for pets and cooking gourmet full meals every day including breakfast and lunch.
As a parishioner at St. Veronica Church in Eastpointe for 61 years she participated in the Bach choir, church choir, Church festivals, altar society and community groups. In the last 3 years of her life, until his death in December 2021, Dolores took care of her brother Edward, who was 90 years of age and had dementia.
Finally, in her last hours, as any mother would want to do, she sat up in her bed, participating in a ZOOM video gathering, with her children, grandchildren, and great children. Allowing all to pray, sharing tears of sorrow, creating heart felt lasting memories and expressions of love.
Day before visitation will be held in Keego Harbor, Mi at FAMILY FUNERAL CARE, 2904 ORCHARD LAKE RD, KEEGO HARBOR, MI 48320. Thursday, July 14th, 2022. Hours of visitation will be from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.
FUNERAL & VISITATION: LC Friedrichs and Sons Funeral Home, 214 Trumbull St, St. Clair, Mi., Friday July 15th , 2022 from 9:30am to 10:30am. Funeral Mass held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 415 N 6th St, St. Clair, MI. Burial directly after Mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery. 3039 Rattle Run Rd. St. Clair, Michigan.
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