Obituary of Dolores Wasowicz

Dolores “Laurie” Ann (Koster) Wasowicz, aged 93, passed away peacefully at home in Green Valley, Arizona, with her loving family by her side, on October 30, 2018. Dolores is survived by her beloved husband of 71 years, Barney Wasowicz, and her brother Dick. Loving mother of Sandy Varley (Steve), Susan Tsacoumangos (Nick), Jeff Wasowicz (Dawn), and Tony Wasowicz (Lorraine). Doting grandmother of Chris Varley (Sharon), Ted Varley (Molly), Alexis Tsacoumangos, Jeff Tsacoumangos, Christina Tsacoumangos, Arin Wasowicz, and Brooke Wasowicz. Great-grandmother of Jackson, Ezra, and Charlotte. The fourth child of seven, Dolores was preceded in death by her father, mother, sister Grace, brothers, Jim, Don, Lefty, and Bill, and her eldest son, Bill (Patti). Even as a young girl, Dolores was called to take care of others. Born Dolores Ann Koster on August 5, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan, she lost her mother at a young age and assumed the responsibility of caring for her three younger brothers. She married the love of her life, Barney Wasowicz, on November 22, 1947. She enjoyed many happy years in Detroit, raising their five treasured children and caring for her dear mother-in-law, before re-locating in 1976 to Pueblo West, Colorado. Later, they retired to their storybook vacation home, built by Barney, in Rosita, Colorado. In 1992, they re-located once again to Sun City West, Arizona. During their retirement, they traveled around the country visiting family, and Dolores fulfilled her dream of seeing the world, often accompanied by her family, cruising to the Caribbean, Europe, Southeast Asia, Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico. Throughout her long life, Dolores joyfully focused her attention and energy on her large family. Her fondest wish was that each of them should be happy. In addition, she brought her generous spirit to each of her adoptive communities, most recently Sun City West, giving her time to the Women’s Guild at Our Lady of Lourdes, ushering at the community theater, volunteering at a local nursing home, and making fast friends wherever she went. She exemplified Saint Francis’s philosophy that it is in giving that we receive.