Dolores Joan Skrzyniarz

Dolores Joan (Skinner) Skrzyniarz, age 84, of Three Rivers, died at her home on Tuesday, November 19. She was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois on June 28, 1929, the daughter of John and Anna (Ebert) Riopel. In the mid-1940's, she and her family moved to Three Rivers. She met her future husband, Roman Skrzyniarz, while he was home on leave from the Navy. His family lived in the neighborhood. They were married on November 8, 1947 and made their home on land that had been owned by his parents. Dolores was a homemaker all her life. She loved to sew, making many of her children's clothes and also reupholstered some furniture. She was delighted to live in the country, and said she never missed living in Chicago. When she first visited country cousins of hers, she knew the country is where she should live. She worked with Roman in his excavating business, and was also involved in the Riverside Grange and in the 4-H program, when her children were at home. She learned cake decorating from Tillie VanOosterhout and made many fancy cakes and desserts, mostly for family. She created wedding cakes for several of her children's weddings along with sewing a wedding dress and making decorations. She loved to travel. She and Roman drove their motor home all over the United States, including Alaska. They also flew to Hawaii for their 40th wedding anniversary. Her favorite place was Yellowstone National Park, which they visited many times, the last trip there was in 2006. She also loved animals and the outdoors and enjoyed reading. One of her favorite books was "Gone With the Wind". She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and a grandson. She is survived by 5 children: Linda (Terry) Baker, Ann (Randy) Scott, Pat (Gary)Schwertner, Joan Skinner, Joe (Darci) Skrzyniarz; her brother Ron (Anne) Riopel, 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; her loyal dog "Lucky" whose companionship she cherished. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Matthew Manalel at Immaculate Conception Church, 637 S. Douglas on Saturday, November 23 at 10:00 a.m. Memorials may be donated to St. Joseph County Animal Control, P.O. Box 252, Centreville MI 49032 or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, #100, Kalamazoo MI 49007.