Dolores (Papa) Jones

Dolores "Del" (Papa) Jones, age 78, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday March 16, 2017. She passed with loved ones by her side. Born in Utica on November 7, 1938, Dolores was the daughter of the late Joseph and Frances Papa. She was a warm woman with a pure heart who devoted her life to taking care of her family. Dolores had a close connection with God and believed in the power of prayer. She will be remembered most for how she listened and how she prayed. Family and friends sought her out in times of need for her special prayers and the comfort her prayers brought. Her heart was big, and she always had wise and caring advice to offer. Dolores's warmth shined through in everything she did. She was a wonderful cook, known especially for her sauce, her chicken and tiny meatball soup, and her apple pie. A talented artist and a skilled crocheter, she made stunning afghans for many people she knew. She also liked doing crossword puzzles, caring for houseplants, and watching reruns of her favorite show, "Everyone Loves Raymond," which always made her laugh. She belonged to the Assembly of God church for many years, and loved listening to Christian praise music. Her children feel blessed to have learned many valuable lessons from her, among those lessons: trust in God; love with your whole heart; love unconditionally; be forgiving; and take pleasure in the simple things in lifea�"the shape of a passing cloud, the sound of a bird singing outside the window, a delicious meal, time spent in the company of loved ones. Dolores was a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a daughter, and a friend. She was beloved by all, especially by her five children whom she cherished, and who will miss her dearly: Mark Jones and partner Andrea Downs of Athens, Kara Lupino and son-in-law John Lupino of Sauquoit, Christy Jones of Schuyler, Vicki Vander Zwart and son-in-law Troy Vander Zwart of San Diego, and Mary Jones Altiere and son-in-law Steve Altiere of Los Angeles. She will also be lovingly remembered by her ten grandchildren: Erica Jones; Dominic and Joseph Ruggiero, and Talia Lupino; Gabriel, Christopher, and Victoria Grann; Roman and Eva Vander Zwart; and Sophie Altiere; as well as by her two step grandchildren, John Lupino Jr., and Rocco Lupino. In addition she leaves behind five siblings for whom she always felt a maternal love: Nick and Joyce Papa of Clifton Park, Carolyn Mierzwa of Marcy, Anne Marie Neiss and partner Mike Pfeiffer of Yorba Linda, Joseph Papa of Utica, and David and Leslie Papa of Ballston Lake. Her memory will also be held close by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends, and in-laws. Dolores will rejoice in heaven as she sees again those loved ones who went before her, including: her parents, her sister Elaine Bloomer, her brother-in-law Raymond Mierzwa, her mother-in-law Jean Jones, and her husband of twenty-two years Robert Jones. The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses at St. Lukes Hospital, especially those in PCU and ICU. The family is also grateful for Dureen Gray who provided her with comforting care during her final months, and for Dr. Charles Canver whose blessed gift for surgery in 2000 gave us all nearly twenty more years to love her. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd from 4-7 p.m. at The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home, Inc., 1122 Culver Ave., Utica. Dolores's celebration of life service will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Rescue Mission of Utica. Dolores will be laid to rest at New Forest Cemetery.

Service

Wednesday, March 22 2017