Delores ‘Dolly’ Watts

1939-2025

IRON RIVER — With hearts both heavy and grateful, we celebrate the life of Delores “Dolly” Giuliani Watts, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who entered eternal life to reunite with her beloved Bob on March 25, 2025. She left this world surrounded by the love of her family, just as she had lived her life — with grace, warmth, and an unbreakable spirit.

Born on Feb. 1, 1939, in Stambaugh, the daughter of the late John and Josephine (Callovi) Giuliani, Dolly grew up with a deep love for family and faith. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert K. Watts, on June 14, 1958, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Caspian. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion, celebrating 64 years of marriage before Bob’s passing in 2022. They were partners in every sense — dancing through life together for nearly 70 years.

Dolly was the heart of her family, raising four children with a love that knew no limits. She embraced the role of “Grammy” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating a home where warmth, kindness, and unconditional love flourished. She loved and was loved by so many in her community. She worked as a teacher’s aide, where she formed lasting bonds with the children, staff, and families she served. Her love for teaching extended beyond the classroom, as she volunteered her time teaching CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) at St. Cecelia’s Church, guiding young hearts in faith and kindness.

Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She was a devoted member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church and St. Anne’s Society. She was also an active member of the Iron River Lady Elks and the Iron River Country Club Women’s League. Before her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Dolly spent time at local nursing homes, bringing residents to church, offering companionship, and ensuring they felt the love and presence of their community.

Even as she walked the difficult path of Alzheimer’s, her love and spirit never wavered. Though words became fewer, her embrace, her smile, and the gentle squeeze of her hand spoke volumes. She found joy in the simplest moments — a familiar song, the laughter of her grandchildren, the warmth of a hand in hers. She showed all who knew her that love does not fade, even in the face of loss, and that the essence of a person remains in the love they have given.

Dolly had a gift for friendship, and among her most cherished relationships was the lifelong bond she shared with her dear friends, Carol Busakowski and Mary Pellizzaro. Their friendship was a testament to the joy of companionship and the comfort of shared memories.

Dolly is now at peace, dancing once more with Bob. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and resilience that will forever guide her family.

She is survived by her children, Terri (Geoff) Stockero, Tammy (Brad) Tomassucci, Robert (Jeanne) Watts, and Lisa (Tommy) Anderson; her adored grandchildren, Christopher, Katie (Nate), Nick (Caitie), Bethany (Peter), Jenna (Brandon), Maria (Jimmy), Emi (Ben), Theresa (Joe), and Haley (Colton); and her cherished great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Giuliana, Addison, Eugenie, Clara, Francesca, Graham, Henry, Carmela and Bella. She also leaves behind her loving sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine (Robert) Greenwaldt, along with many nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.

Dolly was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents; her father and mother-in-law, Walter and Rica Watts; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Raymond (Beverly) Giuliani and David (Francis) Giuliani.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Caspian with Fr. Michael Woempner to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. The Ladies of St. Anne’s Society will form an honor guard at the service.

Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery in the spring.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the caregivers at the Iron County Medical Care Facility who walked this journey with them, providing not just care but love, dignity, and compassion.

In celebration of Dolly’s life, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Iron County Medical Care Facility’s Diversional Therapy Program, ensuring that magic, fun, and care continue to brighten the lives of the ICMCF community in her memory.

A life well lived, a love well shared. Yours was a journey of strength, faith, and devotion. Rest now, dearest Dolly, in the arms of the Lord and in the embrace of your beloved Bob.

“Though her mind faded, her love never did.”

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Delores “Dolly” Watts online at www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com.

Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home Inc. of Iron River.