Dolores L. Seitz

Dolores Stoessel Seitz passed away peacefully Thursday, May 21.  The date is especially significant as it marked her 102 ½ birthday Dolores was born to Joseph and Theresa Roth Stoessel, November 21, 1917. She weighed only three pounds and could fit into one of her father’s cigar boxes.  Never physically tall, at the time of her death she measured less than five feet.  But the best “presence” are those that come in small packages and her presence was always felt – especially during a game of bridge! Dolores was predeceased by her husband of 67-years, Robert.  She is survived by daughters Suzanne and Marilyn Seitz-Pickett and son, Rob; son-in-law William Pickett and daughter-in law Suzanne Stoessel; grandchildren Neil (Leah) Dengler, Marina and Chloe Seitz, and great-grandchildren Ryan, Molly and Tyler Dengler. Due to COVID-19, only a graveside service for immediate family can be held.  Online condolences can be extended at bataviafuneralhomes.com.  Suggested recipients for memorial donations include:  Juan Neumann Center, https://olphbkny.org/juan-neumann-center which continues the tradition of its namesake of aiding the poor & especially new immigrants to the U.S. Dolores was a devotee of “the little bishop”, St John Neumann, also small in stature but a giant in his faith.   Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation ( https://www.ochbuffalo.org/ ) which lovingly nursed, kept alive and made a long life possible for Dolores’ and Bob’s first born, Suzanne.   BeadforLife ( https://www.beadforlife.org/ ), Since 2004, providing women with entrepreneurial training, allowing them to put food on the table, educate their children,  & lift themselves & their families out of poverty.  SNAP https://www.snapnetwork.org/donate – Founded in 1988, SNAP is the largest, oldest and most active self-help group for clergy sex abuse victims of all denominations. The rampant cycle of sexual abuse was an issue that deeply troubled Dolores yet it did not destroy her faith in the overarching good of the Catholic church. Dolores was the last survivor of her immediate family’s Greatest Generation of seven siblings, plus spouses. She outlived nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews but is survived by many, including those who considered her their second mother.