Dolores R. Volk entered eternal life with Our Lord, on July 16, 2021, after a brief illness. Surrounded by the love of her family at her bedside and over the phone in her last days, our mom died peacefully. At the age of 90 Mom had slowed down physically (though never mentally), having lived a full and beautiful life. (Apologies ahead of time Mom, as you always reminded us to refer to you by your name or by 'mom', rather than 'she' or 'her'. "Who is 'she'?" you would ask, "the cat's mother?")          Born in Richmond Hill (Queens) NY, November 30, 1930, to Kathryn (Fitch) and Henry L'Heureux, Dolores Rosemarie would be the eldest in the family of three girls. Barbara Lynch (Gerry) (Charlotte, NC) and Diane Maguire (James; deceased) (Summit, NJ) together with Dolores were a beautiful, kind and loving trio who made countless memories over their lifetimes. Close with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins in childhood, many summers were spent in Redding, CT climbing trees, reading books, playing games and breathing the country air. As the eldest of her sisters and cousins, Dolores was the 'smartest' and the 'leader' and the one they all looked up to. Cousin Cynthia eloquently paid tribute to Mom regarding these and many memories, in her last hours.          Dolores attended Our Lady of Wisdom in Queens and went on to Kings County School of Nursing graduating as an RN in June 1952. Days later on June 7, Dolores married William S. Volk and shared love, family and a wonderful life for the next 67 years, until Bill's death in December 2019. Together Dolores and Bill moved to Hyde Park in 1955, raised their three children and later relished the blessings of having most of their grandchildren nearby. Three great-grandchildren brought further joy in more recent years. Dolores always kept a lovely, modest home. She came up with the ideas and undoubtedly Bill would build, paint or wallpaper! Dolores loved to set a pretty table, plan a party, and entertain friends and family. She also loved to talk, which often led to delayed meals from extended conversation (and wine)! Mom soon adopted the motto that if you starve people long enough, anything tastes good!          Dolores was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She was an intelligent and dedicated RN who even on her death bed had suggestions regarding nursing care. Mom brought us to laughter when she responded to a question about her pain (despite being very weak by this time) by discussing the medication's 'efficacy'! After practicing as a labor and delivery RN in her early years, she began her career as a school nurse teacher in the Hyde Park Central School District in the late 1960s, retiring in 1993. Dolores loved her work as a health teacher and advocate for children. But her most significant job was that of 'mother'. She encouraged, often learned and joined the latest activity and was our biggest cheerleader from classical piano, to dance, to countless sports. She was also known for her marvelous wardrobe and accessories. Mom was a classy lady – in her dress and more importantly in her thoughts and demeanor.            Mom was kind, accepting of all, loving and patient. And truly passionate about animals. Never was there an animal Dolores did not care about – from near and far! The giraffes in Kenya, the elephants, the tree frogs and whales. Dogs, cats and wolves. Volunteering nearly 30 years for the Dutchess County SPCA provided her with an outlet for her true love of animals and brought many good friends to Mom's life over the years.            Along with the DCSPCA, Dolores was on the Board of the Vanderbilt Roosevelt Historical Association for 10 years and in the early years of the Grace Smith House volunteered her time. As a member of Regina Coeli Parish since 1955, Dolores dedicated time over the years in many capacities including the Altar Rosary Society, Folk Group and as a Eucharistic Minister.          Dolores is survived by her son Stephen and his wife Michelle of Southport, NC, and two daughters, Ruth and her husband John Recchia of Hollowville, NY, and Barbara and her husband Ross Mauri of Copake Lake, NY. She is also survived by her 'German son', Hans Noirhomme and his wife Christine and was predeceased by infant daughter Laura. Dolores is, as well, survived by grandchildren Kimberly (Volk) and husband Dan Johansen, Jocelyn Volk, Brendan and wife Kathryn Recchia, Brittany Recchia, Tyler and wife Clara Mauri, Dale Mauri and great-grandchildren McKenzie and Leighton Dixon and Cameron Ann Recchia. Many in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins shared life and love with our mom, as did many good friends. If wealth is measured by the presence of Faith, Family and Friends, then Dolores was indeed a very rich woman.          (Mom, you did so much more than bake a pie.)          Calling hours will be held at Sweet's Funeral Home, Hyde Park on Monday July 26 from 3-7pm.  A Mass of the Christian Burial and celebration of Dolores' life will be held at Regina Coeli Church, Hyde Park on Tuesday July 27 at 10am.          In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Regina Coeli Church; Two Harvey St. Hyde Park NY 12538 reginacoelihydepark.com or Dutchess County SPCA; 636 Violet Avenue Hyde Park, NY 12538 dcspca.org or The Humane Society of the United States humanesociety.org .               To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit sweetsfuneralhome.com .