Obituary of Dolores M. Alborghetti

Dolores Marie Alborghetti (nee Smith) of Old Saybrook, loving wife, mother and mother-in-law to husband, Mario; daughters, Lori and Marci, and sons-in-law, Robert and Charlie, died September 8, 2021, after a long, heroic battle with dementia. Dolores was born on June 25, 1934, the youngest daughter of Joseph and Margaret Smith, and was raised in Deep River. As a child, she and her family experienced the deeply felt loss of her older brother, Joe, who died in combat during WWII at the Kasserine Pass. She had a lifelong and deep respect for veterans and their families and took every opportunity to honor her brother at the Deep River Memorial Day Ceremony and other events. Dolores is predeceased by her parents; mother- and father-in-law, Anna and Arthur Alborghetti; brother and sister-in-law, Elliot and Leila Smith; sister and brother-in-law, Dearie and Pete Baroni; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Bill Moynihan; nieces, Margaret; and nephews, Lee and Tommy. She is survived by her niece, Kathy Smith of Chester, nephew, Joe Smith of Old Saybrook, and niece, Bonnie VonDeck of Tennessee and several grand-and great-grand-nieces and nephews. A life-long Communicant of St. John’s Church in Old Saybrook, Dolores was very active when Marci and Lori attended St. John’s School. She contributed her efforts to Church Summer and Christmas Fairs and other events throughout the year. Her work as a volunteer playground assistant lead to a decades-long career in the Old Saybrook School System where she was continually promoted from her start as an aide at Main Street School to retiring as Secretary to the Principal at The Old Saybrook High School. The combination of competence and compassion which she brought to every position was a Blessing to all who worked with her. Though dedicated to her work, Dolores was, above all, a wonderful wife and mother. She and Mario were in the first graduating class of Valley Regional High School in Deep River, and during their senior year was born a love that lasted 69 years. And is still going strong. Except for the call to the US Army in Spokane, Washington, where Mario was stationed as a sergeant and a short time in Deep River, they lived their entire lives in their home in Old Saybrook, which they lovingly maintained together. Dolores was a terrific gardener, and if ever there were not flowers from her gardens in the house, Mario was sure to buy a bunch from a roadside or grocery stand to bring home for her. She made life fun! From the paper chains she would string across Lori and Marci’s bedroom door that they would have to “break through” on special days like birthdays, to the painstaking decorating of Easter Eggs and good-natured consummation of egg salad for the entire following week, she never missed a chance to establish a tradition and make life lively and exciting. She and Mario spent uncountable hours arranging outings, planning vacations, hosting picnics, organizing beach days, playing games and watching home videos, anything for their “girls.” Dolores instinctually provided a great example to her daughters, regularly making donations, volunteering, visiting elderly neighbors, and helping wherever and whenever she could. Her daughters woke every April 1, eagerly anticipating the “trick” that would be played on them; and every May 1 was spent bringing Spring flowers in colorful construction paper cones to neighbors. Christmas, always her favorite season, was when Dolores really outdid herself, instilling a love for the Holiday in her children that remains to this day. From baking dozens of cookies and candies, to quietly setting presents under the tree to be discovered daily with great delight, to meticulously decorating – and redecorating! – every room in the house, she made every day from Thanksgiving to Three King’s Day a joy. Her family used to tease her that if she re-arranged one more ornament on the tree, they would glue them in place! She was truly GOD’S Blessing, an amazing Mom. Except for the last few days of her life, Dolores remained in the home she had lived in for over 60 years, thanks to the valiant efforts of Mario and Lori. She kept her sense of humor and interest in life until the end. The family wishes to thank Annette Polito for her abundant kindness and warmth throughout their journey. They also wish to thank Paul Loomis and Mike and Sarah Beebe for constant friendship and help whenever needed. In lieu of flowers, donations and support to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries, located in Old Saybrook, CT, is encouraged. There will be a memorial service for Dolores at a later date, to be announced. Burial is private. To share a memory of Dolores or send a condolence to her family please visit www.rwwfh.com Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.