Dolores Eileen Slane (nee Gavin) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 89 years of age. Born in West Allis to the late Everett and Evelyn (Board) Gavin on November 23, 1933, Dolores was also preceded in death by her husband Edward Slane (1923-1998) and son Jimmy Slane (1966-1972).
Dolores is survived and missed by her children Dan (Roxanne) Slane of New Berlin; Pat (Kathleen) Slane of Lexington, MA; Tom Slane of Waukesha; Bob (Susanne) Slane of Mukwonago; and Donna (Jeff) Laitsch of Brookfield. Her memory will live on through her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their families: Dustin (Liz) Slane (Dylan and Evan); Sarah (Bob) Zemple (Bobby, Heidi, Brent and Chad); Kevin, Anna and Nolan Slane; Tony Herrera; Nate (Andrea) Herrera (Felix, Archer and Teddy); Brook Slane; Sarah (Rob) Williams (Cameron); Taylor, Jason, and Brian Laitsch. Dolores will also be in the hearts of her siblings: (the late) Betty Benning, John Gavin, Joan Pike, and Jane Sparacio – and her many nieces and nephews.
Dolores was a long-time resident of New Berlin, centering much of her time around social activism through volunteering and leadership opportunities at Holy Apostles Church. These included such things as distributing food to the needy, sponsoring immigrants from war-affected areas, helping single mothers obtain housing and baby supplies, and leading her “quilting group” in making warming blankets for the homeless. In addition, she taught religious education classes and was a Lay Eucharist Distributor. Dolores also proudly served in the New Berlin Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. After the passing of her son Jimmy, from leukemia, Dolores returned to school, earning certification as an LPN and became a nurse at West Allis Memorial Hospital. Upon retirement and in sync with her love of travel, Dolores and her husband, Ed, created a part-time company that hosted guided bus tours throughout the state. This love of nature was also evident through the countless hours she spent digging, weeding, planting, and creating paths in her beloved yard.
The family wishes to thank the staff members at Linden Grove Memory Care, Rent-a-Daughter, and Preceptor Hospice for their care and compassion to Dolores as she courageously fought her affliction with Alzheimer’s. Special thanks to loving friends: Jackie, Marilyn, Laura, and Melanie who were instrumental with her care and comfort.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to support children and cancer research or to the Alzheimer’s Association of Wisconsin.
A Visitation will be held at Holy Apostles Church, 16000 West National Avenue, New Berlin, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from 9:30 AM – 11:15 AM. Mass at 11:30 AM.