Bertha Darlene “Dolly” Muscara, our dear wife, mother and grandmother, went to heaven on February 21, 2023, two days shy of her 86th birthday. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who was always there for her family. If you were fortunate enough to have known her, then you were touched by her beautiful heart and kind spirit.
“Dolly” Muscara (nee Barlow) was born on February 23,1937 in Weirton, West Virginia to Louis & Elsie (Susa) Barlow. Her parents and brother, Larry Barlow, proceeded her in death. She graduated from Catholic Central in 1954 and completed her Registered Nurse training at the Wheeling Hospital Nursing Program in 1957. Dolly was “Student Nurse of the Year” and went onto become a compassionate and caring nurse, working in various roles over a 30-year period. She married Sandy (Santo) Muscara on November 23, 1957 and was a dedicated mother to their four children. After raising her family, Dolly served as the Charge Nurse at Canterbury Nursing Home in Valparaiso until her retirement in 1996. In their later years, Dolly enjoyed her faith, RV travel with the love of her life; camping and exploring many National parks and historic landmarks along the way.
Dolly is survived by her husband, Sandy, of 65 years, sister Loretta Wright (Jerry), brother Louis Barlow (Rachel) & sister Regina Pashe (Bill); four children: Richard Muscara (Cheryl), Teresa Howe, Lisa Nash (Tom) and Stephanie Leverich (Jeff); 16 grandchildren & four great-grandchildren. We are eternally grateful for a dedicated team of caregiver angels & VNA Hospice staff who provided exceptional care in her final days.
A visitation will be held at Moeller Funeral Home (Valparaiso) on Sunday, February 26 @ 1:00-4:00pm. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Cecelia’s Catholic Church (Demotte) on Saturday, March 11 @ 10:00am. A luncheon will immediately follow the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana.
GUESTBOOK
Please accept my sincere condolences for the passing of your beloved Matriarch. Losing a parent is not easy, but you have so many wonderful memories that will live on in your hearts forever. She is gone but not forgiven. Much love and many prayers to all. -Marilyn Crouch
My heartfelt condolences to the Muscara family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. -Megan Poetzinger (McCarthy)
I am so sorry for your loss. I must say it was an honor to get to know your family as I helped take care of Grandma Jenny and Ms Dolly. May Gods comfort and grace be with all of you. -Michele DeGraff
