Dolores Cassidy passed away peacefully on November 2 due to the COVID-19 virus. Dee was the mother of four sons, grandmother to 10, great grandmother to six, and loving spouse to John (Jack) Cas- sidy for more than fifty years until his death. This devastating disease stole Dee before her time from the many family and friends who loved her. Although she had tested negative for the virus on October 26, she began showing symptoms later in the week and was hospitalized on October 30. She departed for heaven less than 72 hours later. Her final words to one her sons the morning of her passing were, “do you want oat meal for breakfast?”—the dedicated mother to the very end. Although she was raised in an era when women were expected to de- fer to the men in their household, Dee demonstrated an iron will, un- common determination and a sense of humor in guiding the members of her immediate family and the many members of her extended fami- ly. This tradition carried on to her grand children as she taught them how to ride bikes, swim, play pitch or dominoes or experience the joys of skinny dipping at Lake McConaughy in the light of the moon. She supported and encouraged the diverse interests of her sons, whether it was politics, working with animals, sports or advancing wildlife conservation. She expected and demanded that each of her sons keep at it until they earned college degrees even though she herself had only finished high school. Every girlfriend or future spouse of her boys was carefully scrutinized but lovingly welcomed into the family. She was a devoted partner to her husband Jack—adopting his family as her own—once telling Bobby Kennedy that “we are Fitzgeralds too.” Dee was known affectionately as Big D by young men known as the Hole Boys. As boys and, later, men with families of their own, the Hole Boys frequented the Cassidy household in South Omaha where there was always a welcoming greeting and a chair at the table for them. She became a friend and second mother to these young men and they remained in her life even as she and they grew older. Dee became a legend one infamous Thanksgiving when she threw the roasted turkey into the backyard when the boys who had gath- ered did not want to interrupt their card game to partake in the meal she had spent hours preparing. Although years later she denied this incident ever happened she willingly reenacted it (with a turkey car- cass) on several Thanksgivings to the delight of younger family mem- bers. She was proud of her Polish heritage. In her younger years she loved to polka and every holiday included Polish sausage as part of the main course. Dee’s Catholic faith was strong and sincere and a source of comfort to her. Her prayer list of family and friends was so extensive it’s a wonder she had time to sleep. She was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes parish. She at times (not too subtly) persuaded her sons to provide financial support for the needs of the church. It was common for OLL parishioners to approach her at a restaurant or while out and about in Omaha to introduce themselves because they rec- ognized her from church. For the family and friends who have lost Dee, there is a hole in our hearts that will not be easily healed. Friends of the family have writ- ten personal prayers that may provide comfort to us. (Adapted from a traditional Catholic hymn by Father Bill Fitzgerald) Mother dear, O pray for me! Whilst far from heav'n and thee I wander in a fragile bark O'er life's tempestuous sea O Dear mother Dolores, From thy place in heaven above Protect your sons, their families and cheer our path With thy sweet smile of love. Yes Dolores you did have a sweet smile of love for your dear Jack and your dear boys. And that smile radiated out far and wide Brightening everyone from supreme Court Justice and Husker fan, Clarence Thomas to The neighbors and friends from South Omaha And all of us who revered you. This day Dolores my thanks to you for showing great warmth and hospitality to my own father in his last years. You were like a big sister to me, I cherish your memory and hold you to my praying heart. May Our Lady of Ches-ta-hova (Savior of the Polish people in 1920) Embrace you with her mantle. Bos Cos Polski! (Polish patriot song) Bos Cos Polski! Mother of Poland’s faithful Pray for all of us that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ (Final Prayer offered by Father Richard Milligan) Heavenly Father, we give our mother, Dee, back to you, as you once gave her to us. And just as you did not lose her in giving, we return our mother to you. We pray that in losing our mother on earth, we don’t lose her, but we will one day enjoy her company in God’s Kingdom. Amen