Hornell, New York

Dolores C. Flaitz – 92 – of 13 Hill St., Hornell, died Saturday afternoon (July 27, 2024) at the Seager Bates Home in Hornell, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on May 1, 1932, she was the daughter of Richard & Theresa (Raish) Carey.

Dolores grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann School and Hornell High School, class of 1950. She had been employed for several years as a seamstress at the former Kaiser Glove Factory in Hornell before leaving the workforce to be a homemaker. When her children were older, she re-entered the workforce and was employed at the Hornell High School Cafeteria and also served as a house cleaner for several area families and businesses (including the Dagon Funeral Home).

Dolores was married on October 6, 1951, to Richard “Dick” Flaitz who predeceased her in 2008. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Kathleen Yeoman in 2017; 3 sisters, Marian Slocum, Kay Orzano, and Ronnie Stocum.

Surviving are 5 sons, Dan (Wendy) Flaitz of Bath, Steve (Cheryl) Flaitz of Hornell, Ed (Michele) Flaitz of Hornell, Chris Flaitz of Hornell, and Greg (Lori) Flaitz of Hornell; her sister Margaret “Peg” Hopkins of Bath; sister-in-law, Donna Flaitz of Hornell; 20 grandchildren: Patrick, Heather, Amanda, Jill, Kyle, Kurt, Corey, Anna, Emma, Elaina, Brittney, Aubrey, Joe, Megan, Zach, Lexi, Richard, Johnathan, Benjamin, and Abigail; 26 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was also a second mother to many, especially Bill Hayes.

Dolores and Dick were married for 57 years and lived a wonderful life together raising their large family. She was a true matriarch. She was an excellent hostess and loved coming together with her family and friends. During these gatherings, she enjoyed cooking for others and founded the “Clean Plate Club” to ensure that no food went to waste. She also adored hosting tea parties for her grandchildren.

One of her greatest joys came from spending time at the Carey Cottage at Shores Acres on Keuka Lake, a place passed down to her from her parents. She created joyful and memory-filled summers for her entire family. Although not a fisherman herself, she was a “master fish filleter,” preparing fish that others caught (especially her grandchildren).

Dolores was a devout Catholic. She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of
St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church. She had also been a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and the Hornell American Legion and enjoyed her time as a member of the Bunco Club.

Dolores was loving and tenacious. She was a wonderful teacher and would often say “that’s the way!” when imparting her wisdom on her family.

The family would like to thank Tender Loving Home Care, Seager Bates, and especially her son Chris for his unselfish sacrifice for the last eight years.

The family of Dolores C. Flaitz will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 am at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Dolores’ family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.