Dolores Jean (Salutes) Kotelnicki, 83, of Bridgeville, formerly of Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia while residing at Country Meadows of South Hills Retirement Community.
Born in Nanty Glo, PA on May 24, 1938 to the late George and Julia (Trulac) Salutes, “Debbie”, as she was known to many, graduated from Nanty-Glo High School and completed her education with a degree in Early Childhood Development from Indiana University of PA. After making sure her children were on the right track with their education, she launched her own professional career as a pre-school teacher with the Zion Lutheran Nursery School that culminated as a children’s counselor/advocate with The Alice Paul House.
A lifelong learner and always taking classes, she was passionate about many things, mostly service to her community. She volunteered her talent and time to many organizations; Indiana County Blind Association, American Red Cross, Indiana Free Library, St. Bernard’s Church and
School, to name just a few. In 1999 she was awarded The Rose Society’s Volunteer of the Month Award in Indiana County in recognition of her dedicated service to numerous organizations. In addition, she was a breast cancer survivor who supported others facing the same challenge.
Debbie enjoyed reading, writing short stories, flower gardening, spending time with her family, taking craft classes, and generous pours of Merlot. Although not known for making too many entrees with more than 3 ingredients, she excelled at making delicious pies, cookies, and gobs.
With a spirit of brave determination, those around her felt her compassionate heart and enjoyed her wonderful sense of humor and quick laugh.
Surviving Dolores are her children: Deborah (Gary) Martin of Bethel Park; Joseph (Michael) Kotelnicki of Churchill; Donna (William) Felmlee of Fairfax, VA; Michael (Jessica) Kotelnicki of Winchester, VA. A sister, Catherine Simmers of Zionsville, IN; Grandchildren: Kyle (Brittany Floch) Martin, Ross Martin, John Paul Felmlee, Cassidy and Jackson Kotelnicki.
Along with her parents, Dolores is proceeded in death by her devoted and loving husband: Joseph Kotelnicki, Sr., and daughter: Nancy Lynn Kotelnicki.
Following Covid-19 protocols, visitation will be held on Sunday, January 23, 2022 from 4 to 8 PM at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home, 500 Ben Franklin Road South, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 24, 2022 at 11:00 in St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Parish, 200 Clairvaux Drive, Indiana, with Rev. Fr. Tage Danielson OFM, CAP as celebrant. Burial in St. Bernard Cemetery, Indiana.
Donations in Dolores’s memory may be made to The Alice Paul House, PO Box 417, Indiana, PA 15701 (alicepaulhouse.org) or The Indiana Free Library, 845 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701 (indianafreelibrary.org).
The family would like to thank the staff of Country Meadows for their genuine and loving care during her time there and to Bridges Hospice for their assistance. A memorial picnic for her friends and family to celebrate her life is being planned for her birthday in May. To send an online condolence to the family please visit www.bowserminich.com
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