Obituary of Dolores Margaret Brandon

Dolores passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Nithview Home, New Hamburg at the age of 93.

She will be dearly missed by her children, Lois Sander (Reiner), Carla Brandon (Ross), Lisa Flynn (Peter) and Paul Brandon as well as her grandchildren Mitchell (Cassandra) and Rachel Finstad and their father, Mark Finstad, Aidan and Brendan McDonnell and Cameron Flynn.
Dolores is also survived by five siblings, Sr. Marcella (SSND) (Puerto Rico), Fr. Ray CR, Louis, Fr. Harry CR and Lorne (Anne) and sister-in-law Lorain.
Dolores is predeceased by her daughter Mary Finstad and granddaughter Enya McDonnell, parents Clayton and Cecilia and seven siblings, Albert (Wilma), Robert (Lil), Stan, Sr. Cecilia (SSND), Leo (Rita), Jerome (Margaret), Dianne Dalton (Ray) & sisters-in-law Carole and Betty.
Missed by many of the Brandon relations.

Dolores loved to go out dancing in her younger years with her older brothers, most of whom could really cut a rug and she often mentioned dance contests which they had won. She had a memorable laugh and a wicked sense of humour, loved playing cards, anywhere, anytime, as well as spending the summer months at her trailer in Lakelet where she developed many long-lasting friendships. This special spot is also where some everlasting memories were created with her grandchildren during their younger years. 

She was also an amazing cook and had special requests from her sisters whenever they were returning to Canada for a visit. And could this woman stretch a dollar, often driving to at least four groceries stores for the weekly specials as well as outfitting her children in hand sewn clothes and making many purchases off the Saturday radio show, Buy & Sell, all while keeping track of every penny spent in her special black book. 

Dolores was a member of the St. Anne's Bowling league for several years which enabled her to escape from her five children for a few hours and make the drive from Breslau to Kitchener's Towne Bowl every Monday evening. For many years she volunteered at both St. Mary's hospital as well as Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

Many thanks to all of Dolores' (healthcare) workers. A few of these special people developed a remarkable bond with her while providing care in her home as well as Conestoga Lodge and her final short stay at Nithview LTC in New Hamburg. It did not take these workers long to appreciate mom's sarcasm and quick-witted comebacks. We were often told how much they loved having mom to look after and what a joy she was.  

Dolores also appreciated the many friendships she made while living in her lovely and private condo on Blockline Rd. Many of her neighbours, especially Ray and Judy Kieswetter and Bill and Helen Cressman, were quick to help her out whenever she needed assistance. This, along with her daily Meals On Wheels deliveries, enabled her to stay in her own home much longer. 

It was like a 'God wink' that Lisa, Dolores' middle child, called her mom from where she resides in England, shortly before Dolores passed.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S.,
Waterloo, on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. The memorial
service will take place in the chapel of the funeral home at 12:00 p.m., followed by a
reception in the Fireside Reception Room.

Cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial mass at a later date. A private family interment will be held at Williamsburg Cemetery, Kitchener.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Meals on Wheels or Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Waterloo would be appreciated by the family and may be arranged through www.erbgood.com