Dolores A. "Dolly" Szablak

Dolores A. “Dolly” (Berke) Szablak, 98, beloved wife of the late Chester J. Szablak, Sr., who died July 18, 2015, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2026 at D’Youville Senior Care.

A lifelong resident of the Christian Hill neighborhood, she was born on June 11, 1928, a daughter of the late Stephen and Sophia (Tomkiewicz) Berke.

Dolly was a graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1946 and Bradshaw Business School, Class of 1948. She then worked for the Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, where she later became the head cashier.

In her younger years, she sang with “The Vocalaires Singing Club” in Lawrence, whose directors were students of the Fred Waring Workshop. On one of Mr. Waring’s visits to the area, she and her choral group had the pleasure of meeting and performing for him.

She met her husband Chet on a double date and dated him briefly. But then about a year and half later they met again and married. When he passed away they would have been married for 60 years.

Dolly worked a short time for the Central Savings Bank until her son, Chester, Jr. was born. She became a stay-at-home mom, raising Chester, Stephen, and Susan, which was her favorite job.

After her children grew up, she had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii, Europe, and Bermuda. She even traveled down the Mississippi on a paddle boat. These were some of her favorite trips.

She was an active member of Court Cardinal O’Connell #930 Catholic Daughter’s of America, while it was an open court in Lowell. She also belonged to the League of Catholic Women.

Dolly was very involved in St. Michael’s Church and school, and served on St. Dominic’s Board, St. Michael’s PTA and worked as the St. Michael’s School secretary. She also volunteered as a first grade religion teacher for 20 years. She completed and received her certificate from the Master’s Teacher’s Program. She was honored by her parish, being recognized as one of the “Pillars of St. Michael Church.”

Dolly loved choral singing! She was a member of St. Michael’s Senior Choir for over 40 years. She cherished the friendships made there and amazed herself as she still sang on key when she turned 90.

In 2018, Dolly sold her house to her grandson, James and became a happy resident of the Senior Housing at Rogers Hall, where she met and made many lovely friends.

Dolly is survived by her two sons, Chester J. Szablak, Jr. and his wife, Linda (Goyette) of Tyngsboro and Stephen Szablak and his wife, Pamela (Campbell) of Lowell; her daughter, Susan Szablak of Lowell; her five grandchildren, Lauren Clark and her husband, Dan, Michael Szablak and his wife, Kate, Amy Orlando and her husband, Mike, James Szablak and his wife, Kristina, and Anne Szablak and her fiance, Luke Zanoli; her seven great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Robert Wilcox; and many dear nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by sisters and brothers-in-law, Anne and Albert Roy, Helen and Al Bilewicz and Barbara Wilcox. She was blessed by her dear friends, Jackie Hart and Dottie Kubit, who predeceased her.

The family would like to thank the staff at D’Youville Senior Care for the compassion and care they showed Dolly during her stay there. Their encouragement and kindness made her feel comfortable and at home. She made many friends there and was especially close to her roommate, Marjorie Richardson.

Relatives and friends are invited to Dolly’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from 4 until 7 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 10 AM in St. Michael’s Church, Lowell. Burial to follow in Holy Trinity Polish Cemetery, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dolly’s memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Food Allergy Research & Education, St. Michael’s School, 21 Sixth Street, Lowell, MA 01850 or the charity of your choice.