BELGRADE – As she approached the end of her life, Delores Salazar requested that I (Suzanne Paré) write her obituary. She wanted nothing fancy, nothing flowery, and insisted that I keep it simple. I pray that these words will give you a window into the heart of this amazing woman, my dearest friend, sister, spiritual support, co-musician, confidant, and so much more.

Delores C. Salazar passed away peacefully on Hosanna Sunday, April 10, 2022, as she experienced her own triumphant entry into the Heavenly Jerusalem. She died at home, beautifully loved and cared for, and in full sight of her beloved stream.

Delores was born in Tucson, Ariz., on Oct. 11, 1955. She grew up in Winslow, Ariz. with her parents Joseph and Rachel (Rodriguez) Salazar, her brothers Richard and Daniel, and sisters Stella and Maria. Delores, known to her family and friends as “Lolo”, treasured her childhood days spent in a very close-knit ethnic community, surrounded by extended family, and a host of first cousins whom she related to as siblings.

In 1979, Lolo left Winslow to become a member of the Madonna House Apostolate in Ontario, Canada, a Catholic community of lay men, women, and priests, dedicated to living the gospel in all aspects of everyday life. Lolo always retained her profound love for Madonna House and deep respect for all that she had discovered there. The Little Mandate, which forms the heart of Madonna House spirituality, continued to guide her decision making throughout her lifetime.

In 1985, Lolo visited the Lord’s Ranch Community in El Paso, Texas, a Catholic outreach ministry serving the needs of the poor in Juarez, Mexico. Always very proud of her Mexican heritage, Lolo spent the next two years serving as a full-time volunteer on both sides of the Texas/Mexico border.

In 1987, Lolo traveled to Augusta to visit friends, after which she planned to return to Arizona. However, God had His own plans for her. Within weeks she had secured a full-time job and was quickly recruited to provide music for the weekly Charismatic prayer meetings, weekend retreats, healing services, liturgies and other special events at the Saint Paul Oblate Retreat House. Concurrently, as a member of St. Andrew’s Parish, she served as a Music Minister, Lector, Catechist, Youth Group Leader, and member of the Parish Council. As a single woman, her many years of formation and dedication to her Catholic faith bore great fruit as she willingly and unpretentiously continued to develop and share her talents. In 1991, she moved to Belgrade and considered herself blessed beyond measure to live on the water, surrounded by natural beauty and peace.

Lolo was gifted in many ways, but one of her most notable attributes was her ability to relate to children and youth. It was her ongoing desire that children and youth be made to feel secure, loved, and cared for. In any gathering, Lolo could be found entertaining the children, listening to their stories, and giving them her full attention. Her love was genuine, and they knew it.

Lolo never craved possessions, never sought the spotlight, nor did she ever boast about her accomplishments. She loved people, and people were her priority and treasure. Her needs were basic, and she most valued time spent with friends, free and easy laughter, ice cold Margaritas, music, books, traveling, and spending time on the water.

Her ultimate desire was to glorify God with her life, and even though she would readily admit that she did it imperfectly, she never stopped trying to answer the call to love. Those of us who were the recipients of that love have been made richer by her fierce loyalty, her willingness to speak the truth even when it was difficult to hear, and her large, attentive, and all-embracing heart.

In 2012, Lolo became a member of St. Joseph’s Maronite Catholic Church in Waterville where she was drawn to its monastic Eastern spirituality, similar to what she had first encountered at Madonna House. It seemed her life had come full circle, and after years of active public ministry, she returned to a more contemplative and hidden life.

Complementing her life of service, Lolo was employed at the Maine Education Credit Union from 1987-1998; Maine General IT Department 1998-2000; Game Day Athletics, 2000-2004; and Kennebec Savings Bank from 2004 until her retirement in 2018.

The outpouring of support, prayers, concern, notes, letters, and cards that she received as she approached her final days were an indication of just how many people she had touched and influenced throughout a life too quickly gone. Lolo had the courage to be herself, whether she was speaking with a child, a dignitary, a popper, or a peer. Lolo was Lolo, and by consistently being herself she afforded us the same privilege. She loved us generously, prayed for our needs, glorified God with her voice, and always found a way to make us laugh. Well done, good and faithful servant.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Maronite Catholic Church, 3 Appleton St., Waterville, on Monday, April 18 at 10 a.m. The burial will immediately follow at the Holy Family Cemetery, 139 Townsend Ave., Augusta. Following the burial, a Mercy Meal will be offered at the Governor Hill Mansion, 136 State St., Augusta. Per Lolo’s wishes, all are welcome and encouraged to attend. We offer our deepest gratitude to the staff of Beacon Hospice for the exceptional care that they provided during Lolo’s final days. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lolo’s honor can be made to

St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church,

3 Appleton St.,

Waterville, ME 04901

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