A beloved and cherished friend, Dolores “Dee Dee” Socha, was born on July 5,1945, in Paterson, New Jersey, to Theodore and Jean Socha. Growing up in nearby Fair Lawn, New Jersey, alongside her younger brother Joseph, she attended Fair Lawn High School. Following her graduation, Dolores embarked on her career journey as an office clerk at Old Dutch Packing Co, Inc., in Paterson, before joining the team at R+G Produce, also in Paterson.
Her life took a serendipitous turn while working at R+G Produce, where she met Tony and Phyllis Chernalis of The Market Basket. After R+G Produce sold their business, Tony extended an offer to Dolores to join The Market Basket as a bookkeeper. Embracing this new opportunity, Dolores found not just a job but a second family and a home. She devoted 35 years of her life to The Market Basket, enjoying a fulfilling career until her passing. Throughout her time there, the Chernalis family, especially her favorite (don’t tell anyone) Zach, became her cherished chosen family, marking a beautiful chapter in her life in the Township of Washington, where she became a lifetime resident.
Dolores' life was rich with adventure and companionship, traveling the world with Tony, Phyllis, and Grandma Nettie, Phyllis’ mother. She and Nettie, her constant travel partner and roomie, embarked on numerous escapades together. Their adventures ranged from an unforgettable donkey ride up the Acropolis in Greece to savoring the local flavors in Italy, France, Spain, and experiencing the vibrant festivities of Oktoberfest in Germany and Lithuania. Travel was a constant thread woven throughout her life. During the holidays, alongside her close friends Fil and Dee Silva, Dolores, Tony and Phyllis would go to NYC to see The Christmas Show with the Rockettes. On the ride in, Dee would have everyone singing Christmas Carols on the bus, which Dolores loved. Her celebrations and bond with Fil and Dee, continued throughout her life.
Amidst her many cherished relationships, Dolores found profound spiritual guidance in her friendship with Reverend Sigmund Peplowski. This bond was not merely incidental; it was a testament to her deep faith. Reverend Sigmund Peplowski, (“Father Pep” to Dolores, “Father Zig” to his parishioners at St. Cecilia’s in Rockaway, New Jersey) was a guiding light in her spiritual journey, offering not just counsel but also a shared path towards understanding and living her faith more fully. Together, they navigated the complexities of life, anchored in the teachings and traditions that Dolores held dear.
As a devoted godmother to Alina and Nickolas Solowjow, Dolores extended her passion for travel to include their family. Together, they enjoyed a Shrek-themed holiday in Nashville, explored Chattanooga on a steam train ride, relaxed at her favored Gaylord Opryland Hotel, and even toured the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, humorously referred to by Dolores as the “hooch” Distillery.
Her love for Elvis was another highlight, often recalling with a wry smirk how his performances in Las Vegas were considered “scandalous” back in her 20’s. This was a period when she also indulged in the thrill of Powder Puff Racing, driving a VW Beetle, showcasing her spirited and adventurous side, which comes as no surprise to those who knew her.
Dolores was also known for her love of popular TV shows like “The Bachelor”, “The Bachelorette,” “Survivor”, “Dancing with the Stars”, “General Hospital”, and investigative series like “Dateline” or “20/20”. A regular reader of “People Magazine”, she enjoyed browsing through catalogs, immersing herself in the stories of others. Her home and yard were decked out for every holiday and when one ended, she was on to the next. She coordinated her food and scents with each…. corned beef and cabbage only on St. Patty’s Day, all the PSL (but only in October and November), and her favorite candles appropriately having the aroma coordinate with the season.
A connoisseur of comfort foods like stuffed artichokes, pierogies, raviolis, apple strudel, waffles, and omelets, Dolores cherished traditions, such as keeping a candy dish filled with Reese's on her desk at The Market Basket. This small gesture became a beloved ritual, inviting conversations and connections. In honor of her memory, this tradition will lovingly continue, a testament to Dolores' lasting impact and the joy she brought to those around her.
Above all, Dolores’ heart belonged to her beloved pets, affectionately termed her “four-leggeds”. Her dogs and cats weren’t just companions; they were the focal points of her life, none more so than her sweet Obi. Dolores and Obi jumped head first into training with Beth Bradley in 2005, desiring that Obi obtain a therapy dog title. Their hard work paid off when, in the Fall of 2006, they achieved their “American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certification” followed by “Therapy Dog Certification” through The Bright and Beautiful Organization.
Dolores and Obi began volunteering at Luckow Pavilion at Valley Hospital in memory of her brother Joey, who passed away of cancer and had received treatments there. They continued volunteering at Luckow until Obi was diagnosed with lymphoma.
Through her four-legged fur children, she met her closest friend of 35 years, Carol Carberry, DVM, and another portion of her extended family, at Oradell Animal Hospital. Dolores adored Carol, not only because of their bond over animals, but because they shared so much in all of their years together. Carol knew all “40 Paws” of Dolores’s pets. Her love for animals was unsurpassed; even her PT Cruiser was affectionately known as “Obi’s Truck”, with a license plate boasting “28 Paws”. Each year, she embarked on an “Obi vacation” to Cape May, allowing him to explore the town while she indulged in her favorite fudge, saltwater taffy, and lobster salad. Her adoration for anything with paw prints or cats was evident everywhere, from decorations in her home to the paw print stamped on her front walkway. Christmas lights adorned the outside of her house, not just for the holiday season, but because “Obi & my guys (kitties) loved looking at them.” A tradition of holiday photos with all of her pets was a Christmas highlight for 25 years, thanks to Carol’s brother Michael dressing up as Santa.
Among her acts of kindness, Dolores rescued Friday, a kitty from a devastating house fire, leading to an award and a nomination for Friday to the NJ Hall of Fame.
Through animal rescue, she met Jennifer and Chris. They became family and she’d spend each holiday with them making sure that the brunch and dinner schedule was “timed exactly right,” so that she could get back to “my guys” to celebrate with them too. She loved taking day trips with Jennifer, mostly up to New England to find a “tchotchke”, a good meal and a new place to add to her travel history. She loved The Suburban Diner in Paramus, and on almost every Thursday, Jennifer and Dolores would meet for brunch and then top it off with a trip to Total Wine for some “hooch.”
Dolores had a community of devoted friends who were her network of helping hands. She always said she couldn’t do anything without her dear neighbor Tom Bieber, who she considered a surrogate brother. Tom not only continually cared for her beloved pets, but he took out her garbage, started her cars, and shoveled her walk, the list is endless, he aided her in everything. Dolores referred to Tom as her “right hand guy.” Donna, Dolores’s friend of many years, would come to her house weekly to style and cut her hair, along with chatting about the latest goings on. Gek Gulnick, her go to for medical counseling and co-supporter of her animal rescue work, was always on hand potting her plants, gardening, and constantly checking in. Along with Gek, another neighbor turned friend, Dori, walked Obi up and down Colonial Blvd and aided in care for Obi and her “guys.” Mike and Marti Faulkner were irreplaceable with care for Obi. What started out as doggy day care visits with Mike, turned into much more. The unwavering bond between the Faulkner's and Dolores grew over the years and when Dolores couldn’t care for Obi, Obi moved in with Mike and Marti for 6 months. Dolores had a special affection and love for her surgeon of many years, Dr. Yair Kissin. She referred to him as her "adopted son" and thought the world of him. She would proudly boast that "there was never a situation that he could not find a solution for" and she adored him.
Dolores’ volunteer work spanned various organizations, including “Meals on Wheels” with her best friend Cathy and "Eva’s Kitchen” in Paterson with Carol and The Market Basket team each Easter. She volunteered for over 20 years at Happy Tails Animal Rescue in Paramus. There are so many funny stories about Dolores, but here’s one that really sums her up from her friend and neighbor, Gek. “It was the first Strutt Your Mutt (fundraising doggie walkathon) Happy Tails held in 2005. Dolores appeared with her invisible dog 'Casper.' It was one of those invisible dog leashes! She played the role throughout the whole event convincingly and proudly! What a brilliant idea that was and she gave everyone there that day a lot of laughs and cheer. Dolores walked around throughout the event and introduced everyone to her invisible dog ‘Casper.’ It was hilarious, we’ll never forget it.”
Dolores was humble and generous, always leading with kindness and was a staunch advocate for animals. Her tenacity and spunk left an indelible mark on those fortunate to know her. There was nobody funnier with a drier sense of humor, quick wit and one-liners. Dolores lived a life filled with love, laughter, and meaningful connections.
Dear Dolores, your loved ones are better because of knowing you and we are grateful for all of our memories together. Dolores, you will now be in all things that remind us of you, every dog and cat, Christmas lights, country music, every time we walk through The Market Basket, every paw print, every change of season and holiday, you will always be there. How lucky we are to have known and loved you.
In honor of our Dolores, donations can be made to Happy Tails in Paramus HappyTailsRescueNJ.com PO Box 143 Paramus NJ 07653 or Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs golden-dogs.org 80 Powder Mill Rd Morris Plains NJ 07950.
A Celebration of Dolores' life will be held on Wednesday, March 13th with a funeral mass at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Wyckoff, NJ at 5:00 P.M., followed by a repast at The Ridgewood Women’s Club in Ridgewood, NJ, where her life and legacy will be honored and remembered.
Please share this live stream link with family and friends who are unable to attend the Mass.
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