WATERVILLE – Dolores N. Nawfel, wife of Michael M. Nawfel, D.M.D. passed away Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at Lakewood Manor in Waterville. Born in 1929, in Waterville, she was the daughter of the late Richard D. Nawfel and Maria (Barakat) Nawfel.

She was a graduate of Waterville high school where she immersed herself in the joy of friendship through multiple school activities. She would often revisit a memorable short move of several months to Washington D.C. with three of her close friends. She worked for a bank and was accepted to a modeling school prior to returning to Waterville to assist with her ailing father. She was employed by her brother in his dental office before spending several years with “the Bell Telephone Company” in Waterville.

Dolores married her lifetime spouse, affectionately known as “Mickey”, in 1953 in Waterville where they established a home for the four sons they brought into their world. This home became a gathering place for their extended family whose many members would meet on a frequent basis throughout the years for birthdays, holidays, and for any reason just to get together. As their children grew, many of their friends and their children’s friends came to be included in these social events.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the family skating rink became the destination for children throughout Waterville’s many neighborhoods. Dolores warmed their frozen toes and fed their active stomachs while welcoming all to her friendly kitchen. She became an iconic figure in those early years for her generosity and hospitality as she often prepared a communal feast for high school hockey players and their many friends following home games.

Few would disagree that Dolores was loving, kind and compassionate to all in her life. Her big smile and sparkling blue eyes were endearing as she invariably greeted family and friends with out-stretched arms. She often proclaimed her not so secret formula for bringing people together: “If you want to bring people together and share their happiness, fill the table with food. If you have food, people will come.” She reveled in the joy of bringing people together and this she did extraordinarily well whether she was hosting a Christmas open house, birthday parties, holidays, after–hockey game events or just a Sunday dinner. Mom was a genuinely happy person and was eager to share that joy with those who chose to receive it.

Dolores loved to read. She was extremely passionate about education. She thoroughly enjoyed music and she was proud to have music fill her home. A great joy for Dolores was the active part she played in being an instrumental mentor and role model for her five grandchildren.

Dolores is survived by her four sons, Sam (Bonnie), Michael (Karen), Nicholas (Penny) and Peter. She is survived by five grandchildren, Nichole Nawfel, Jacob (Katie) Nawfel, Alysia (Colby) Whynot, Lauren Nawfel and Jena Nawfel. She is survived by four great-grandchildren, Wesley and Miles Whynot, and Lily and Eva Nawfel. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Fowler and her husband Leon Fowler and her brother-in-law, Beasley Edwards. In addition, she is survived by many nephews, nieces, grand nephews, grand nieces and their families.

Dolores was predeceased by her parents Richard and Maria Nawfel; Michael, her husband 67 years; her siblings Elias Richard Nawfel, D.M.D. and his wife, Jamila, Sumayah (David) Ferris, Julie (Beshara) Saliba, Lorice Franklin, Helen Edwards; and her granddaughter of blessed memory, Alexa Nawfel.

The Nawfel family would like to thank the healthcare workers of Park Residences in Waterville where Dolores lived during the last eight years of her life. There she found a profound sense of community with its residents, many of whom had been an organic part of the Waterville community during her lifetime. Park Residences provided a most comfortable and safe environment during Dolores’ final years.

We are also grateful to the staff at Lakewood Manor for providing a comfortable and welcoming setting to Dolores and her family during the final week of her life. Their guidance and compassion proved invaluable during this most difficult time.

The family extends a special thanks to Peggy Soucy, professional geriatric care manager, of Elder Care Planning and Solutions of Maine. Her vital skill set was paramount in helping our family navigate through the healthcare needs of our parents during the transition from home to residential community and to hospital and long-term care facilities. We can’t even imagine how this scenario would have unfolded without her personal and professional guidance.

Dolores’ life was enhanced significantly these last few years by her personal caregiver, Belly Ouellette. No words can effectively encompass the gratitude that the family feels towards the compassion, dedication and expertise this wonderful person extended to our mother. Betty was entirely responsible for preserving our mother’s personal dignity, health and well-being and quality of life during her most dependent years. We invariably would defer to her guidance as she intuitively and accurately addressed mom’s needs on a daily basis.

A small private church service was attended by immediate and extended family members on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland. The service was conducted by Father Constantine Sarantidis, our spiritual father of 34 years.

May the blessings of our Heavenly Father be the upon Dolores and may he rest her precious soul in a place where there is no pain, no sorrow, and no suffering, where she shall remain in his loving embrace eternally.

Arrangements were under the direction and care of Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home.

For those who would like to make a donation in Dolores’ name, you are welcome to consider:

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

133 Pleasant St.

Portland, ME 04101

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