Dolores Caldwell Roark - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Dolores Caldwell Roark

Born October 26, 1930

Dolores Caldwell Roark, age 83, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 10, 2013.

Born in Newark, New Jersey on October 26, 1930, Dolores was the second oldest of ten children of the late William Hester Caldwell and Lucy Lois Hobbs. Her nurturing instincts were apparent early in life, as she eagerly helped tend to her siblings in their younger years. She married her late husband, Jonathan, on August 13, 1949 and the couple soon moved to Delaware settling in the New Castle area. The support Dolores gave to her siblings during her adolescent years was a catalyst to her professional calling as a nurse. She later enrolled at the Delaware Technical and Community College where she earned her nursing degree in 1977. She made her career as a licensed practical nurse at the Delaware State Hospital in New Castle, where she diligently cared for her patients with kindness and compassion. She enjoyed creative endeavors, including writing poems, painting, crocheting and ceramics. The fruits of her labors are found in the homes of her family and friends and adorn their Christmas trees.

Dolores was a firm believer in the role that education played in a young person’s success, and shared this passion by becoming an active volunteer with the Read Aloud program. Above all else, she will be remembered as a gentle and kind woman, who was happiest caring for others.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jonathan W. Roark, who passed away in 1967, her son, Jonathan W. Roark, Jr.; 3 brothers, Billy, Howard, and Jackie Caldwell; and 3 sisters, Dorothy Carrigan, Joyce Fuzia, and Selma Fasano. Dolores is survived by her daughters, Rhonda Roark Janeka and Alison Roark Brayfield (David) all of Newark, DE; sisters, Jeanette Browarski, Barbara Bailes, and Jean Hurd; 7 grandchildren, Thomas, Laurie, Zachary, Julia, Kelly, Shawn, and Emily; and 8 great grandchildren, Dominik, Lorenzo, Analys, Kayla, Joshua, Madeline, Tyler, and Emma Dolores.

Friends may call from 5 pm until 7 pm on Tuesday evening, December 17, 2013 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. Funeral services will begin at 7 pm. Interment will be held privately in All Saints Cemetery.

Flowers will be appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Center, Second Floor, Newark, DE 19711.

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14 Condolences for Dolores Caldwell Roark

  • I will miss you so much Mommom. I know your at peace now. I will cherish every memory. I love you <3

  • Mum mum will be greatly missed! My heart, thoughts, and love are with you all! May she rest in paradise as she reunites with those that passed before her. XOXOXO

  • I grew up living next door to this wonderful woman. Spent much time in her home and she in ours. The world has lost a wonderful woman but Heaven has gained a precious angel. Dolores will be missed by those on earth but welcomed into the Kingdom of heaven by those who have proceeded her.

    Sending lots of tender hugs and prayers to her family.
    Bless you all

    Love Gail

  • When I was very young, I remember spending time with my Uncle Jon and visiting his office machines store on Academy St. in Newark. Another time, my family went to Atlantic City to see the diving horse and I managed to get lost for over an hour. Finally, I saw a phone booth (which I could barely reach) and crying, went into a store on the boardwalk to ask for change -so I could call the only phone number I knew besides my own -Aunt Dolores. Together, she and the store clerk managed to locate my parents and rescue me.

  • Dear Laurie,

    Your Grandmother sounds like a wonderful woman. I know you’ll miss her terribly.
    Warren and I extend our sympathy to you and Mark and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Sincerely,
    Jean and Warren Harris

  • Although Terry and I only knew Dolores thru Laurie and Rhonda, we saw her frequently at the many family gatherings that their families held. The interaction between a close-knit family speaks volumes as to the committment of their parents to keep all of them together to support each other. I think Dolores was a major driving force in keeping them so close. May that close family bond work to help all the family members find peace in this sad time. Knowing that she is now at rest and out of pain and in a better place will help the emptiness heal and she will look on and be happy knowing that everyone is celebrating the good times that were had and not dwelling on the loss. Love and hugs to you all … Terry and Wanda

  • Rhonda,
    deepest sympathies to you and your family

  • During times of teen-age angst, the confusion of first love, and into marriage for Jon and me, Dolores was a constant source of love, patience, acceptance, and a Mother-in-law whom I’ve cherished throughout the years. She will be remembered for all of her kindnesses. With love, Dottie

  • Dear Family,

    Please accept our deepest sympathies I loved the little lady I called first Mrs. Roark and then Mom. She will always be a part of me and my lovely daughter, Emily Caldwell Roark. Thank you for sharing your Mother and Grandmother with us.

    Sincerely with love,
    Susan and Emily

  • Dear Rhonda and your family,
    Prayers of comfort and love are sent to you. I loved meeting your mother several times at your family gathering. She always had a warm smile and greeted everyone with love. She loved you and your family and stated several times how proud she was of all of your accomplishments as well as your children’s accomplishments. I do not know how she did it, but she remembered different facts about each of your friends and made each conversation a joy.
    Lovingly,
    Charlotte Eggink.

  • Dear Rhonda,
    Many years have passed since I met your Mom and I only had a chance to know her
    for a short time. There is much emptiness when you loose your second parent but the good memories and love that you shared will prevail.

    Take care, Pete

  • Dear Allison and Rhonda,
    I am thinking of you both today, and remembering our mothers friendship. They are back together again and enjoying each others company, I’m sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you today.
    Love, Rick and Norma Zion

  • Dolores and my mom Agnes lived next door to each other for 49 years. They moved into brand new
    homes on the same day. Dolores was a kind and gentle woman and was a good and helpful
    friend and neighbor to my mom. My sympathy to all of her family.
    Bettie Smith Hamm

  • Laurie,

    We went to school together. I grew up in Chelsea estates. I remember going to your grandmother house with you. She was such a sweet woman. My condolences to you and your family. May the peace of God be with you all.