Dolores Bander (nee Abraham) passed quietly into the loving arms of God on October 12, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Thomas S. Bander; parents, Sleyman and Zahia Abraham; brothers and their wives, Abe (Adele) Abraham, Jim (Georgette) Abraham, and Wade (Margaret) Abraham; and, brothers-in-law (and wives) Nicholas (Virginia)` Bander and George Bander. She is survived by her son, Dr. Sam (Wendie) Bander and her daughter, Jacquelyn (Paul) Solberg. Her grandchildren, Dr Thomas (Amy Oberlin) Bander, Jennifer (Cody) DeLonge, Rebecca Solberg, Matthew Solberg, Eric Solberg, numerous nieces and nephews and a large extended family also survive her. Dolores lived a life full of adventure, friends, and love. She was born January 25, 1924 in Towanda, Kansas to Sleyman and Zahia Abraham. Her family moved to Grand Rapids where Dolores met her future husband, Tom, in kindergarten. She attended Grand Rapids South High School where she excelled in math and was elected Senior Class Secretary. During World War II she helped her father run the family business, S. Abraham & Sons, while her brothers were away in the military. She also served as the President of the Women’s Auxiliary of the West Michigan Dental Society and was active in the St Nicholas Ladies Guild and Sunday School. Two threads run through the whole story of her life, her love of God and her love of family. While a weekly attendee at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, she rarely spoke of her faith. Instead, she lived it. She combined a kind and gentle warmth with a sweet interest in the things her friends and family were doing. The love of her life was her husband Tom. Together they shared a passion for Frank Sinatra, the University of Michigan (especially the football team), golf, travel, and their grandchildren. She loved her brothers and their families and rarely missed an opportunity to see them. She loved her grandchildren, remembering every birthday, and favorite food and watching uncounted soccer, lacrosse, and football games; skating competitions, cross country and track meets, plays, recitals, and graduations. She doted on her son and daughter, simultaneously serving delicious meals and dishing out her gentle advice. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 18 from 2PM-4PM and 6PM-8PM. A Trisagion service will be held at 7:30PM at O’Brien-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd., SE. Viewing from 10:00AM-11:00AM on Saturday at St Nicholas Orthodox Church followed by an 11:00AM funeral service. Memorial donations may be made to St Nicholas Orthodox Church, 2250 East Paris Ave, Grand Rapids MI 49546. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at the Cook Valley Greenhouse for their love and care of Dolores.
3 Responses
I remember your mother with fond memories during baking sessions at St. Nicholas and her words of wisdom. Sorry for your loss and keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. Loisann, Paul & Sophie Rogowyi
Aunt Do was a very special lady. She was always kind, thoughtful, and had a smile on her face most of the time. I especially remember when I was a child and riding my bicycle to her house. We shared the most interesting conversations together along with tons of laughter. May her blessed soul rest in eternal peace.
To the family of Dolores Bander, I’m so sorry about the loss of your loved one. I have lost many loved ones and know the pain. These Bible scriptures have helped me to cope: 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 mentions that God is a source of comfort; John 11:23-25 gives us the hope of the resurrection. I hope these comfort you as well.