Dolores Mary Corley, 92, of Affton,passed away peacefully on the morning of January 19, 2018, surrounded in her final days by family and friends who loved and cared deeply for her. Preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Ralph G. Corley; her sisters Margaret Schlanger, Florence Bené, Loretta Kalin, Bernice Rossmann and Audrey Bueltemeyer.
Dolores (Bebe to her family) was born February 26, 1925 to Margaret (Powers) and Frank Graf of St. Louis, and grew up in St. Anthony of Padua parish. She graduated from Hadley Technical High School in 1943, and over the next two decades worked in the St. Louis fashion industry, including as pattern maker and designer for the Forest City Company. In 1946 she met Ralph Corley at a dance, and on June 21, 1947 they wed at St. Anthony. Dolores was a member of St. Pius V parish, and later St. Dominic Savio parish, where she resided for nearly 50 years.
Sewing, gardening, art, music, cooking, travel-these were just a few of her passions. Dolores also loved bowling, pinochle, her garden club, going to the Muny, dinner dances and a good Manhattan cocktail. She was a long time supporter of the Missouri Botanical Garden, KETC, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum and numerous charities.
She is survived by her children, Chris (Karen), Kathy, Connie, Maureen (Jim) and Larry (Cheryl); five grandchildren that she adored, Alana Saltz, Elizabeth Corley, Emily Saltz, Lauren Corley and David Corley; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Dolores and Ralph worked hard to provide an outstanding education for all five of their children, for which they are eternally grateful. We will all miss her blue eyes and beautiful smile, her great interest in social issues, her deep Catholic faith and her great love for her family and friends. May she rest in heavenly peace.
Services: Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Rd. Visitation Thursday January 25, 4:00-9:00 pm. Mass Friday, January 26 10:00 am, St. Dominic Savio Church, 7748 MacKenzie Rd., Affton, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Catholic Charities, Nine Network of Public Media or the Missouri Botanical Garden. []