Delores Ann Dusek, 86, of Valparaiso passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025. She was born July 11, 1938, in West Virginia to Donley & Elsie (nee Dunlap) Holstein. Delores made her career with Northern Indiana Bank/NBD for many years, beginning as a teller and concluding as a Customer Service Representative. This job brought her decades of joy as she helped customers and more importantly met new friends every day who came into the bank.
Delores enjoyed many things, much of which involved friends, family and food. Dining at Applebees with her gal pals, enjoying lunch with her daughters and finding a way to eat lobster at every chance she could, were among her culinary desires. She often bragged about eating three lobster tails the night before she gave birth to her third daughter Ginger. We all knew we could entice her to spend time with us over a good meal, and if someone else cooked it, even better! In her free time she played BINGO, despite always bemoaning not winning. Fun was had nonetheless. Soaking up the sun in Hawaii, Florida and California brought her vitamin D and enjoyment with friends, family and her companion of many years Dan.
Delores was an animal lover owning dogs for most of her life and recently kitties who were one of her favorite topics of conversation. Her most recent cat is Khaleesi, a tortie who enjoyed being spoiled each day and would likely tell you she was her favorite child. And that may be true. Every day in the hospital she would tell anyone who came in her room about her sweet kitty and how she couldn't wait to get home to her. Mom, you will be reunited with her some day. And she will expect a treat. If it was your birthday and your phone rang, you would hear the melodious singing of Delores to Happy Birthday (the full song) in your ear or on your voicemail.
A loved woman who spent 86 years being fearless, strong and loving. Generous to others and humble to her core. She loved hearing from her three grandchildren, her daughters, and anyone who called. She will be missed and remembered, and if you see a woman with amazing hair, sipping a martini, wearing her brightest lipstick, think of Delores.
Survivors include her daughters: Diana Sliva (Michael) of California and grandchildren :Amanda Sliva (fiance - Dustin Rogers), Alexandra Langhans (Shane) and Andrew Sliva; Jodi Dusek (Bernard Howard) of Michigan City, Ginger Dusek of Indianapolis, and many loving nieces, nephews & friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings: Robert, Harvey, Fredie, Ruby, Wanda Gay, Arbutus & Braden, and her longtime companion Dan Mallas in 2013.
Following cremation at Angelcrest Crematory a private family celebration of Delores’ life will be held.
GUESTBOOK
I am so sorry and heartbroken to read of your sweet mom passing away. I worked with Delores at NBD in Heritage Valley years ago. I never forgot her, and was always thrilled to see her when I would run into her at a store or restaurant. She was upbeat and cheerful and always had a wicked sense of humor! I loved how she always looked her best and had so many pretty outfits and shoes and purses. I so enjoyed talking about those things with her, as well as makeup. The light in the world has dimmed without her in it. My sincere condolences to the whole family. I will always remember her, -Julie Hathaway
