Dolores Elizabeth Cannata, 85, matriarch of her family, passed away Monday, May 21, 2018 peacefully. Her story is one shaped by unwavering strength and unconditional love. Born in New Britain, Connecticut; she was one of five children of Gabriella Veronesi and Anthony J Valentine.
Dolores is survived by her sisters Loretta Pac of TN, and Alda Morris of ME, and predeceased by Albert Valentine and Billy Valentine. The first born of her siblings, Dolores’ endearing strength was formed at an early age, during the adversity of the Great Depression. She quickly learned how to be a caregiver and share an abundance of love, while having very little.
These hard times taught her how important family is and her story is exemplary of how love bears all things and keeps no records. Dolores accepted any responsibilities that her parents requested for the betterment of her family and sought work at a young age. She worked until 20 years of age, when she met the love of her life, Paul A. Cannata Sr., at Walnut Hill Park in her hometown of New Britain, CT.
They were joined in marriage in the summer of 1953. Their marriage brought about three children: Karen, Paul Jr. and Kathleen. She is survived by Karen Cannata-Tomaso and Kathleen Gambe and predeceased by Paul Cannata Jr. Dolores’ focus was on raising her children.
When the children were old enough they would travel to their favorite large cities. Summer family vacations consisted of day trips to New York City (one of their favorite locations) as well as Colorado Springs. In her 85 wonderful years of life, her family grew to include 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren in addition to many nieces and nephews.
Dolores would say, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all! ” Dolores and her beloved husband enjoyed the simple pleasures in life together such as cheering on the New York Yankees and establishing a lovely three family home. Dolores loved to have the family together at her home as often as possible and definitely on Sundays.
What started as her husband’s family tradition of eating together on Sundays carried on throughout her adult life. The house was filled with a rich aroma of pasta sauce and the family knew at 12 o’clock on Sunday it was time to eat. Throughout the years her home was known as a hub for the family (near and far) to gather for everything from a quick hello to a celebration for a special occasion.
Fondly known as “gram” by all. Throughout her 46 years of marriage she devoted her life to being a mother to her three children and a wife to her husband. In 2001 Dolores moved with her daughter, Kathleen and son-in-law Bob, to Westfield, MA, where she found comfort after the loss of her husband and son.
Dolores Cannata was a reservoir of everlasting love that would shine upon her family under all circumstances. Family was the most important thing in her life–a quality that was felt by all those who knew her. This amazing woman was a feisty, dedicated, unwavering lover who passed on the ideals of unconditional love, strength and independence to the generations of family who followed her.
Her incomparable kindness was a gift she shared with anyone who crossed paths with her. For family and friends the wake services will be held on Wednesday May 30th. at 9:00 am at Firtion- Adams Funeral Services, 76 Broad St. Westfield MA.
The church service will be at 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Church, 30 Bartlett St. Westfield, MA. Memorial donations can be made to the American Lung Association or American Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers.
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