Dolores “Dee”, (nee Friedhoff) Simasek, 87

July 14, 2025

Dolores “Dee”, nee Friedhoff.
Age 87 of Willow Street, PA passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, attended by family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Eugene, her parents George and Elizabeth as well as her brothers Walt and his wife Pat, Wayne and his wife Patty, Raymond, and Paul. She is survived by her brother Fred and his wife Judy, Herb and his wife Patty, her sister Jan, sister-in-law Judy widow of Raymond, numerous nieces and nephews. Born in Johnstown, PA, Dolores married her high school sweetheart, Gene Simasek on August 8, 1959. Together, they raised 6 children in Havertown and West Chester, PA. Dolores was a devoted and loving mother to Bernie (Sara), Steve (Linda), Beth Conway (Frank), Lori Elwood (Steve), Amy McEvoy (Bob) and Holly Sciortino (Nate) as well as 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She was proud of her children’s and grandchildren’s various interests such as 4-H, the Philadelphia Boys Choir, Boy Scouts, musical instruments, sports and dance.

Growing up, Dolores was known as “Honey”, and had the benefit of being part of a large, close extended family. She was an active adolescent, helping with her siblings and cousins, participating in 4-H, mastering instruments, and making her own clothes. She graduated from Mercy Hospital’s Nursing program. Dolores found her calling as a geriatric nurse first at Dunwoody in Newtown Square, then at Kendal-Crosslands in Kennett Square. As her children grew up, she remained involved in 4-H and was very active in the Twins Club, after the birth of sons Bernie and Steve. In her retirement she was part of Angel Hands at the Willow Valley Communities and was a Eucharistic Minister for the homebound through St. Mary’s Church. Dolores and Gene enjoyed traveling throughout their marriage. Her other pastimes were sewing, crafts and flower gardening. She will be remembered for her feisty personality and sense of humor, which will be greatly missed. Both Dolores and Gene instilled a passion for service to others and volunteering in all of their offspring.

The family would like to thank the staff at Willow Valley Communities for the loving care they provided Gene and Dolores in their final years. Suffering from dementia, Dolores returned to her familiar roll of geriatric care giver. The nursing and activity staff, allowed her to ‘work’ alongside them to ‘care’ for the other residents. Recently, they sweetly held a ‘retirement’ for her, an incredibly touching gesture to the family.

The family will receive guests on Saturday, July 19th from 10:00-11:00 A.M. at St Philip the Apostle Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603 followed by Mass. Interment will take place at Willow Street UCC Cemetery, 239 Peach Bottom Rd. Willow Street, PA 17584.

Donations in her memory can be directed to Catholic Charities.