Dolores J. Mercurio

Dolores J. Mercurio, age 97, passed away on March 27, 2026, at the age of 97. Beloved wife of the late Joseph J. Mercurio for 72 years. Cherished mother of Kathy (Greg) Dabkowski, Therese (Jasper) Fodera, and the late Frances Mercurio (former spouse Chuck Greenwell). Loving Grandma to Joe, Scott, Lauren, Jackie, Colette, and Allison. Great-grandma (Gigi) of Dominic, Dino, Giovanni, Maxine, and Juliette.

Dolores J. Mercurio was born in Hamtramck on July 22, 1928, the only child of Sophie and John Zawol. Sadly, her father passed away when she was just two and a half years old. In the years that followed, her mother relied on the kindness and generosity of relatives who opened their homes to them.

Dolores loved school and was an excellent student. As she grew older, she spent weekends and summers babysitting her younger cousins. Eager to help support her family, she later worked as a cashier at Packers grocery store and was eventually promoted to an office position at the company’s administrative offices on 12th Street, located above the Mercurio Brothers banana warehouse. It was at a diner at the end of the dock that Dolores met her future husband, Joe Mercurio.

They were married on September 8, 1951, at St. Alphonsus Church, beginning a marriage that would span more than 72 years, until Joe’s passing in June of 2024.

Dolores was a devoted mother to her three daughters and a loving grandmother to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a special gift for making each child feel uniquely loved. She generously shared her time, taking them on outings, playing games, and hosting the cherished New Year’s Eve tradition where the grandchildren rang in the new year at 8 p.m., joyfully banging pots and pans.

She was an active member of St. Alphonsus Parish, contributing her time to the Altar Sodality and the School Board. She also served with the Sisters of the Divine Master Auxiliary, where she chaired card parties and rummage sales and worked at their booth during the summer International Festivals at Hart Plaza.

Dolores’ deep faith was the foundation of her life. She prayed the rosary daily and, in her later years, found great joy in participating in a neighborhood Bible study group. She was thoughtful and compassionate, always concerned for the well-being of others. As the years passed and loved ones were lost, Dolores became like a second mother to many in her extended family. She offered a listening ear, gentle guidance, and, most importantly, her prayers—prayers that many believed carried special strength because of her unwavering devotion.

Dolores will be lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched with her kindness and generosity. Her remarkable positivity in the face of life’s challenges reflected her deep faith and trust in God—an enduring legacy she leaves to her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Dolores’ name to the Penrickton Center for Blind Children.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 31, at 11:00 am at St. Kenneth Church (14951 North Haggerty Road, Plymouth), followed by  Mass at 12:00 pm.

A memorial luncheon will be held immediately following Mass.