
Dolores “Lola” passed away on July 22, 2022 in her home surrounded by family after a full day of music, prayer, and receiving the Last Rites from a family friend, Father Robert Camacho.
Lola also known as Lita by her adoring 25 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren was born in Elgin in 1930 at a time when Elgin recorded 19 natives of Mexico living in the township.
In her youth Lola loved to play the guitar and sing. She performed for a variety of events and sang in the choir at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elgin. In 1948 Lola appeared on “Rubins Stars of Tomorrow” on WGN TV in Chicago. She passed-on her talent and love of music to several children and grandchildren. Her cooking skills were exceptional and she showered her family with love through her frequent cooking of Tamales, Flautas, Enchiladas, Empanadas, Chile Rellenos, and of course hot sauce for all of us who were lucky enough to live near by. Her family believes it was her sneaky way of making sure they visited often.
Lola is survived by her husband Ruben Saenz, her daughter Gloria (Jack) Kellenberger, sons Jose (Patti), Jesse, Carlos (Karen DeLiberto), Jose Louie (Kelly), Manny (Dawn) Ramirez and Ruben (Marcie) Saenz. She is also survived by sisters Maria Garcia, Lupe Almaguer, Mary Cantu, Carmen Ortiz, Juanita Alvarado, and good friend Nena Vallejo and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Hipolito and Ramona Saldivar Castillo, her first husband Jose Pedro Ramirez, daughter Rose Marie Ramirez, brothers Antonio and Enrique Castillo, a sister Teresa Rodriguez, and four grandchildren Char, Jose P, Jose Louie and Ricky Ramirez.
Lola’s final words to all who were able to visit her in her final days were "Don't be sad for me because I will be Happy. I love you, take care of yourself."
Donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic or St Mary’s Catholic Church both in Elgin.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 28, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, at the O'Connor-Leetz Funeral Home, 364 Division Street, Elgin,. A funeral Mass shall be held Friday, the 29
th 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 397 Fulton St., Elgin, with burial to follow at Mt Hope Catholic Cemetery.
You will be missed Tia 🙏❤️😢
Thanks Abe
My condolences to the family. You will be sadly missed Aunt Lola. May you rest in peace with the family in heaven, they wait for you. I just want to thank you for the good memories playing at your house growing up, I will treasure them always. 😞🙏🏼☦️♥️
Thank you Lucie ♥️
Thanks Lucy 💙
Our condolences to the family, Dolores was good friend to my
Mom Lois Valdivia Gomez they would write letters to each other and would talk on the phone. Rest in peace Dolores , always in my prayers.
Thank You Vickie
My Mom spoke of Lois often. Writing letters, What a beautiful way to continue their friendship. Mom enjoyed the letters.
beautiful write up!! she was obviously an exceptional woman, who will be missed by many.
Gloria,
You took such good care of your mom. I am sure that there is a hole in your heart right now. But, your mom will always be with you and your family. I know that you will miss her. Love and friendship.
Thank you
Thank you, my brothers and I did do an awesome job of caring for Mom. Now I can appreciate what a gift it was for us to give and her to receive.