Obituary of Dolores L. Soltis

DOLORES L. SOLTIS was born in Yonkers as a native New Yorker but a seeker of the world. At an early age, Dolores developed a great talent for dance and singing. Her young heart belonged to her beloved dog Skippy and a dream of traveling to Africa as a missionary. At Gorton High School, she attended all the evening dances where she met her incredibly funny sweetheart Eugene P. Soltis. They were married at Sacred Heart Church on Valentine's Day in 1954 and were blessed with a magical marriage of 66 years. Dolores inspired Gene's natural talent for music and together they studied piano at Carnegie Hall for many years with famed Stephan Citron. Their daughter Marisa was formerly a professional ballet dancer who trained in NYC. Dolores was a devoted Mother all throughout Marisa's career; traveling for 20 years to attend every ballet performance nationwide. After Dolores retired, she acquired a new passion for jewelry design where she studied on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. Soon after, she started up her own jewelry business. Her creations of gorgeous semi-precious stones were sold across the country; almost landing her a contract with Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills, CA. Time was never wasted and each day was spent passionately cooking, reading, knitting, making jewelry, practicing the piano and savoring her cherished martini at 6 pm. At the ripe age of 83 she began intensely studying piano again and practicing for several hours a day. This time with NY jazz pianist Billy Lester for 4 years until the onset of the pandemic. After those isolating times she was graced with the opportunity to study jazz improvisation with Sarah Jane Cion who also became a close friend and confidant. Recently Dolores celebrated her birthday of 90 majestic years. This amazing woman had a ferocious appetite for life which kept her family constantly in awe of her dedication to living. She is survived by her daughter, Son in law Bernie, and only granddaughter as well as her sister Beverly DeFillippo. Also survived by the extended DeFillippo family, Martinez family, and Boehmke-Przybylowicz family. Memorial services to be announced.