Obituary of Dolores Anne Ferris Bearse

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Dolores Anne (nee Vela) Ferris Bearse, age 86, of Waterloo, Ontario, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

Dolores was the beloved wife of the late Ronald Bearse, and loving mother to Barbara Foreman (Rob Bennett), Kimberly Ferris (Saleem Malik) and Laura Boland (David Boland), and stepmother to Shelley Bearse.  She was a cherished grandmother to Jody Bennett (Amy), Christopher Foreman (Emily), Rachel Bennett (Matt Nicholls), Jeffrey Foreman (Sheila), James Bennett (Megan Smith), Vanessa McMaster (Matthew), Imran Malik (Monique Mercier), Eric Johnson (Isabella Suarez), Izzy Malik (Kailee Biloski), Mark Johnson (Taryn VanCotthem), David Johnson (Rikki Thompson), Chloe Boland (Andrew Becker), Jake Boland (Nicole), and Taylor Boland, as well as to her 10 great grandchildren.  Dolores will be dearly missed by her niece and nephews Alicia, John, Michael, and Jason, as well as their spouses.

Dolores was born in Port Rowan, Ontario to William and Jean (nee Rockefeller) Vela on November 29, 1935. She was predeceased by her loving sisters Brenda (Jacques) Rebry and Carol (Henry) Lerch, as well as her parents, William and Jean Vela.

As a child, Dolores had a thirst for knowledge, was an avid reader, and excelled in her studies.  She graduated from Delhi District Secondary School in 1954, and continued her studies, earning a teacher’s certificate in 1957, and a B.A. degree in Sociology from Wilfred Laurier University in 1972. Dolores returned to university while working full time and having small children at home.  She enjoyed a successful career as a teacher, starting out in Norfolk County, then moving to Ayr, Ontario in 1964.  Dolores taught at Ayr Public School until 1978, and then at Sandowne Public School in Waterloo until her retirement in 1990. 

Dolores enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, traveling, gardening, playing bridge, knitting, reading, and volunteer work.  She was happiest when her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren visited. Dolores always ensured that special occasions and holidays were recognized and celebrated in a fashion unique to her.  She loved nothing better than a good spirited discussion about life and current events, and enjoyed initiating such discussions with her children and grandchildren.  Dolores had a wide circle of friends extending back to her childhood, as well as new friends she met throughout her life. She valued her friendships and looked forward to playing bridge, visiting over lunch or dinner and numerous other social activities each week.

She was actively involved in volunteer work at May Court Club of Canada, working in the May Court Shop. She felt honoured to be able to give back to the community through volunteer work.  To help Dolores remain current and engaged, she attended Probus Club of Kitchener-Waterloo, which provided fellowship and opportunities for education and discussions on new interests with others.   She enjoyed intellectual stimulation and volunteering and felt fulfilled through these activities.  

A special thank you to Drs. Joanna Graczyk and Martha Taylor and nurses Donna, and Marlene, along with many other exceptional Cancer Centre and Palliative Care Team Care providers who provided exemplary and compassionate care to Dolores. An additional thanks to Alex at Nurses Next Door.

Due to COVID-19, to attend the celebration of life for Dolores, the family has requested personal face covering be worn and proof of vaccination is required. The service will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S., Waterloo on Friday April 15 at 11:00am.  Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to your local library or a charity of your choosing may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.