Mrs. Dolores L. (Roberts) Bonanza

December 1, 1930 - December 5, 2020

NORTH UTICA - Mrs. Dolores L. (Roberts) Bonanza, age 90, was reunited with her husband Jim when she passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020 with those she loved most in her heart. ​Born in Utica on December 1, 1930 Dolores was the daughter of the late Rosemond (O’Brien) Roberts. She received her elementary and secondary education in Utica. On June 25, 1954 she married James R. Bonanza with whom she shared 65 years heart to heart prior to his passing on September 30, 2019. ​The most important responsibility, Dolores felt, was raising her children and attending to their needs. When she was able to join the workforce, she was employed by Sturges Manufacturing as an assembler. She was a peaceful woman whose love was genuine and absolute. Controversy was not a component of her nature, and her honesty was laced with humility and affection. She did not judge people ostensibly, rather she looked for the best in them, helped when she could, and you didn’t have to hide anything from her. In past years, she enjoyed visiting the casino, cooking in her Italian tradition, and taking pride and pleasure in caring for her home. It was in the multitude of simple gifts from heaven that enriched her life, to the very end. ​The greatest grace was generated by her children, their children, and their children’s children who brought her to a new level of love that she didn’t know existed, until they were born. ​Dolores is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and Chris Taraska, Lori and David Grimaldi, and Cindy Gottuso. She loved both of her sons-in-law and shared a special bond with David. She also leaves her grandchildren, Robert and Dasha Taraska; Ashley and Tim McAleer, Alyssa Grimaldi; and Cynthia and Brian Donovan; great-grandchildren, Jaxon Taraska; McKenzie Rose McAleer; Brian, and Brayden Donovan; sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Jack Jackson; and brothers, Robert J. “Bob” Roberts, and John “Jackie” Roberts. In addition, she leaves her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; sisters-in-law, Ida Bonanza, and Frances Bonanza; and friends. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Dorothy Roberts, Charles and Theresa Bonanza, Janice Hawelka, Corrine Bonanza, Patricia Lavier, Donald “Don” and Olive Bonanza, Robert “Bob” Bonanza Sr., and Joseph “Snooky” Bonanza Jr.; and her nephews, Steven J. Bonanza, and David A. Bonanza. ​The family is grateful to the Forestport Household and the entire staff of the Masonic Care Community for their compassionate care. They provided Dolores with a respectful, comfortable, safe community during her stay. ​Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Dolores’ Memorial Mass of Christian Burial which will commence on Saturday at 12:00 noon at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Face masks covering your nose and mouth are required, and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. By family request, please omit floral offerings. ​During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Dolores’ family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.