Dolores Lambatos

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dolores Lambatos, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Dolores departed this world peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2026, just shy of her 95th birthday, at her residence in Schaumburg, IL, where she had lived since 1977. She was born on Friday, October 16, 1931, in Chicago, where she began a life filled with love, creativity, a sense of wonder, and devotion.

Dolores was a kind, gentle-hearted woman with many talents and passions. She enjoyed painting and writing with her creativity flowing from both brush and pen. She was equally happy, though, tackling a puzzle, playing cards and games like Scrabble, enjoying a good movie, listening to Buddy Clark songs, cooking a delicious meal, making yeast cakes for the holidays or mesmerizing you with a display of the shorthand that she used during her many years as a secretary. She loved to laugh and also engage in conversation, always wanting the best for everyone around her. An avid Chicago Cubs fan, she shared her enthusiasm for baseball and her ever-hopeful, never-give-up spirit with her family and friends. She was always interested in so many different things and treasured spending time with loved ones, whether gathering at home or going on trips or visiting the casino or racetrack. Dolores’s heart also had plenty of room along her life's journey for her little dog companions, Sarah and then Freedom, who bonded instantly with her loving and caring way.

Family was at the heart of Dolores's life and she always tried her very best to be the best mother that she could to her children: James Lambatos, Maria (Mike) Warren, Matthew Lambatos, and Lucas (Sandra) Lambatos. Dolores also cherished being a grandma and loved all of her grandchildren so much. She was grandma to Kevin, Joey, Brian & Nick and grandma to John, Bobby, Ryan & Cody as well as Lincoln & Taylor and Emily.

Dolores was the dear sister to Claudia (Gene) Bartholomew and was beloved by her niece and all of her nephews.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Anna Redale, her beloved husband, Dan Lambatos, her older sister, Diane Crist, and brother-in-law, Bill Crist. Dolores's spirit and faith, though, remained unshakeable and she continued to inspire those around her with her patience, kind heart, and love.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Dolores's life at a visitation at Roselle United Methodist Church, 206 Rush St, Roselle, IL, on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. A funeral service will follow at 10:30 am in the same location. Dolores will be laid to rest beside her loved ones at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside, IL, later that day.

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in the countless cherished memories Dolores leaves behind, living on in the stories, laughter, and love of all who knew her as a very kind, caring person full of patience and understanding. She will truly be dearly missed, always remembered, and forever loved.