Dolores Ann (D’Amico) Stafko, 73, beloved wife of Philip D. Stafko of Sandy Hook, died on December 22 at Danbury Hospital, surrounded by her loving family and friends, after a brave battle with cancer. She was born on December 31, 1939, in Bridgeport, the daughter of the late Bessie (Ginolfi) and Michael D’Amico.

Mrs Stafko was a graduate of Central High School in Bridgeport. She was previously employed at Avco Lycoming Corp, Curtis Packaging, Allied Container, and Applied Thermal Air Conditioning. She also owned a clothing store.

Dolores adored young children. She was a nanny and caregiver to a number of children, each of whom have a special place for her in their hearts. The same is true of countless friends and family who have had the privilege to have her touch their lives.

She had a passion for gardening, and she enjoyed relaxing vacations at the beach. She was always on the hunt for pieces of blue glass and Blue Willow china, which she used to decorate her home.

She will always be remembered for her holiday cooking, family get-togethers, and making her home warm and inviting. Everyone looked forward to “Mom’s cooking.”

In addition to her husband of 53 years, she is survived by her two cherished children, Sharon (Stafko) Carter, and her husband Jeff, of Hopkinton, Mass., and Daniel Stafko, and his wife Karen, of Southington. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, siblings Mary (D’Amico) Piccuillo of Trumbull and Peter D’Amico of Shelton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road in Newtown, on Tuesday, December 31, at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Connecticut Children’s Medical Hospital.

The Cremation Society of New England has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of sympathy or find directions, visit www.NewEnglandCremation.com.

The Newtown Bee                     posted December 24, 2013