Dolores Jean “Dolly” Winans, 84

Wellsville, NY - Dolores Jean “Dolly” Winans, 84, of 3800 Fords Brook Road passed away October 28, 2020. She was born January 31, 1936 in Wellsville the daughter of the late Cornelius J. “Neil” and Helen M. (Downing) Walsh. On October 5, 1954 in Wellsville she married Lloyd D. Winans who predeceased her on May 10, 2006.

Dolly was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception School and Wellsville High School. She was employed as an operator for New York Telephone and a key punch operator for Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, Woman of the Moose Chapter # 601, Frank B. Church Post 2530 VFW Auxiliary, Wellsville Football Booster and the Wellsville PTA. She was an avid shopper and a wonderful aunt, friend, neighbor, and mother to many.  

She is survived by: two daughters, Margaret “Peggy” (Tony) Kuras of Derby, and Vaughnda Bone of Florida; five sons, Steven (Fran) Winans of Florida, Lloyd (Sherry) Winans Jr. of Andover, Patrick (Zulie) Winans of Florida, Alan Winans of Syracuse, and Neil (Diane) Winans of Wellsville; sixteen grandchildren, Zachary Bone, Mary Lou (Jason) Cline, Jason (Brittany) Winans, Angela Winans, Christopher (Nathalie) Winans, Matthew (Michelle) Winans, Stevie (John) Garcia, Kyle (Erika) Winans, Amber (Christan) Madison, Tyler (Lauren) Winans, Patrick (Lynda) Winans, Christine Winans, Natalia Winans, Bradly Winans, Josh Winans, and Austin Winans; twenty-one great-grandchildren (with one on the way); and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased, in addition to her parents and husband, by: a son, Michael Winans; and two brothers, Neil and Thomas Walsh.

For those who knew her, Mom was a BIG person always offering a helping hand (whether needed or not) and quick with her wit and laughter.  For decades, she was mom to all the kids in the neighborhood; triage nurse; teacher; cheerleader; snake and mouse handler; sports mom; taxi driver; peacekeeper; wooden spoon wielder; dad buffer; soft shoulder; hand holder; and occasionally life saver/changer.  At one time for two years she lived with and cared for 8 kids, 3 nieces and nephews and babysat 3 neighbor kids.  Every time you left the house Mom would give a hug followed by "Watch out for deer and call when you get home”.  

Mom was a compassionate, loving, gentle, generous, giving, patient, woman of faith. She was such a hard worker, and had a strength and toughness to handle every situation, always with a smile. She never complained, rather she pushed through even with her own health issues, until the very end. She was a loving wife, mother, friend, sister, aunt and grandmother. A woman you could always trust and count on. Her love was unconditional and uncompromising. She was a proud woman, but without an ounce of vanity. She was philosophical yet immensely practical. She was a free spirit, a problem solver, and a provider. She was an amazing woman, generous beyond belief. Though she came from modest times, she gave more to others, even strangers, than she ever did for herself. Many called her mom. She was always perpetually positive. She had joy, grace, and contentment that was contagious. "Always put yourself in someone else's shoes" she would say. It is remarkable that one woman had so many exceptional qualities, her fierce spirit, love of life, and love of others; qualities that will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren and others. She will be missed by many, and remembered by those who were lucky enough to have been blessed with her presence in their life. Special and unique were her ways, with family and others who needed her most on a daily basis. With a heart of an angel, Mom was the very best with a love we will never outgrow. Mom is more than a word; she is a gift from God. A feeling of warmth and love that neither time, nor distance, can diminish.. You will be deeply loved and missed mom. Your life will live on forever in the hearts of your family. Our mom is alive and thriving at home now, literally walking with Jesus. We hope the angels know what they have. You made it mom, until we all shall meet again. 

What the mind doesn’t remember, the heart never forgets.

To her family: "I'm Fine."  You got it right this time momma. This time you couldn't be more right…made perfect with our Lord.  Although it is so very difficult to imagine her gone from us, it is with joy to know that we will see her again. As always, we place this into God's loving hands until the time comes when He says we will be together. "Now it's time for you to get your everlasting beauty rest. You worked so hard for all of us, you deserve it. Mom, we love you.

To quote Billy Graham, “Someday you will read or hear that Dolly Winans is dead.  Don’t you believe a word of it.  She shall be more alive than she is now.  She will just have changed her address.  She will have gone into the presence of God.”  

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus, those who have fallen asleep in him." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, November 2, 2020 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville (34 West State Street). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 10am in Wellsville, at Immaculate Conception Church (36 Maple Avenue) with Reverend Robert Agbo presiding. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The family suggest memorial donations to the Activity Department of Highland Park Care Center, 160 Seneca Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.