Sydney
Delores Christina (MacCormack) Starzomski, age 74, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 3, 2022, in the An Cala Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by the love of her family. She leaves behind a family greatly missing their Babcia.
Delores was world-renowned for her perogi-making and Wigilia meals, her love of telling it like it is and her deadly one-liners. While she met future saints (Mother Teresa and Saint John Paul II), royalty (Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip) and Prime Ministers (Mulroney and Harper), she didn’t give them any greater respect or kindness than she did her neighbours in the Whitney Pier Tim Hortons. Her Sunday family dinners were a must-attend event. She always had a place at her dining table for anyone in need of a good meal on Old Country Roses china with students and new Canadian families from around the world joining the family. At those dinners, you would see that Delores was quick of wit, but she saved her sharp tongue and brutal honesty for her family, where we competed for her approval and loved being the subject of her sarcasm.
Growing up Delores was big blue eyes and brown curls. Stories of her early escapades are fondly retold by her childhood friends who stayed her friends for life. A proud “Pier Girl” she attended school in Whitney Pier and was a life-long parishioner of St. Mary’s Polish Church and Holy Redeemer Church where she served on the Parish Altar Society and CWL.
You would be hard-pressed to find a harder worker. She trained as a hairdresser providing beautiful roller sets for the ladies in Whitney Pier, while saving bad perms and questionable colour jobs for her family. Delores truly loved working at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and was in her element interacting with those who needed a little bit of laughter in their day. In retirement, she and Frank wintered in Florida where she golfed, shopped with Heather, entertained her new friends and enjoyed visits from her children and grandchildren. She was also a huge support for her daughters, dropping everything to go wherever she was needed to ease their burdens.
It was later in life that Delores took up golf, and she was the one person you would want in your foursome either in Florida or Cape Breton for both her skill on the course and the fun you would have while out there. Her love of sports found her attending PGA Tournaments and closely following the Toronto Blue Jays. She was strong as steel, soft of heart and fiercely proud of both the Celtic heritage she was born to and the Polish/Croatian community she was warmly welcomed into.
We wanted to have Delores with us for longer but felt lucky to have the last four months of quality time. At the end of her days, Delores expressed her gratitude for the loving care from her husband of over 50 years, Frank. She showed her joy in watching her grandchildren enjoy time together and form the family bonds that she so valued in her life. She spoke of the pride she felt for raising four successful, independent, and confident daughters. She looked forward to regular visits from her siblings, Heather, and Dan to reminisce about growing up on Matilda St. and she marvelled at how many people expressed their love for her, saying many times – I have such good friends.
Delores will be sorely missed and is survived by her husband Frank; brother Dan; sisters, Elaine Schmid, and Heather (Steve) Fraser; sister-in-law, Janice MacCormack; children, Lisa Raitt (Bruce Wood), Cora Lee Starzomski, Krista Ann Starzomski (Jeff Wilson), Tanya (Sean Chislett); and grandchildren, Nikolas (Samantha), Noah and Kristofer Starzomski-Wilson, John-Colin and Billy Raitt, Bella and Marleigh Howes and Rhiannon McNamara, and Frankie and Sophie Chislett.
Delores was preceded in death by her mother and father, Christina (Gillis) and Colin MacCormack; sister, Colleen MacNeil; brother, Colin MacCormack; brothers-in-law, Vince MacNeil and George Schmid; sister-in-law, Kathy MacCormack and grandchild, Josh Chislett.
We will celebrate Delores’s life when we can gather together again, because she deserved nothing less.
As her family, we would like to thank all the nurses, doctors and care workers who looked after Delores, both in Sydney and Halifax, providing gentle care and kindness along the way. Special thanks to the remarkable people working over the Christmas Holiday at the An Cala Palliative Care Unit whose care helped make the final days with our Babcia easier and filled with love.
There will be no visitation for the late Delores Starzomski. Due to Covid, a private family memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Polish Church, Whitney Pier with Fr. Dennis Lamey officiating. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Due to the Mass being private, Live Streaming will be available on our website.
Click Here: https://www.facebook.com/Live-Stream-Funeral-Page-Cape-Breton-102548274792611/
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County or the St. Mary’s Polish Church Building Fund in Delores’s memory.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Dear Frank, Lisa, Cora Lee, Krista Ann, Tanya and family There are no words to express how saddened we are to hear of your loss. Delores was a remarkable woman, a ray of sunshine that warmed everyone’s heart. We are so happy we got to know her, memories we will cherish forever. Such a vibrant kind woman, full of life and personality. God Bless our beautiful Delores. Forever remembered , forever missed & forever in our hearts
Our deepest sympathy –
From: Jenny , Richard , Michel & Victoria Beara
Dear Lisa and family, Arlene & I are so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. She was obviously a huge asset to her family and everyone in Cape Breton. We send our sincere condolences to you and your family. May she rest in peace. “mart sin leat”
From: Rob Nicholson
A donation has been made to St. Mary’s Church Building Fund. Sorry we couldn’t be there.
From: Bonnie & Peter
Dear Frank, Lisa, Tanya, Krista Ann , Cora Lee & Family, We are truly sorry to hear the very sad news.
Delores was so loved and so good to everyone who knew her, the world has lost an amazing person but heaven has gained a beautiful soul. She is smiling from heaven as she continues to watch over all of you. We will miss her deeply, and we pray for our Delores and you all 🙏 Love Always your family
From: Kata & Mike Mayich
My sincere condolences to the Starzomski and MacCormack. Families. Delores was a wonderful person with strong opinions who liked to share them with all who would listen. She was very proud of her family and of her heritage.
From: Joe Black
Frank and family,
So sad to hear of Delores’ passing. She was a great neighbour on Matilda Street. In the later years whenever we saw her we were taken with her upbeat attitude and natural humour.
She will surely be missed.
From: Bill and Marj Fogarty
Frank and family,
So sad to hear of Delores’ passing. She was a great neighbour on Matilda Street. In the later years whenever we saw her we were taken with her upbeat attitude and natural humour.
She will surely be missed.
From: Bill and Marj Fogarty
Frank , our hearts are aware of you and your family , the loss of your Wife , Delores , a great lady to Family , Friends and those on the path of life , a palpable journey through life. Your fortitude and supportive great Family will assist you in this time of need. From the Lyceum at St F X in Sydney to completion at St F X in Antigonish and beyond , it was a great run. You , with Delores and Family have made an exemplary accomplishment.
From: Neil R Bulley
We are saddened by the passing of Barbara’s school mate and our neighbour.
From: Barbara ( MacLennan) and Norman MacEachern
Dear Frank, Lisa, Cora Lee, Krista Ann, Tanya, Mac Cormac and Starzomski family members,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Dolores. She was truly one of a kind. Our love and prayers are with you. We will always have so many good memories of times spent together. We will miss her delicious pork pies and perogies. I’m so sorry I can’t be with you but happy that Mike will be there to represent the family. Lots of love Maryena and MIke
From: Maryena and Mike Yurczyszyn
Please accept my deepest condolences on Delores’ passing. She was such a great lady. She will be missed by all of us who caught to know her especially those of us from St. Mary’s Polish Parish. My heart breaks for all of you.
From: Toni LaRusic
Frank…. Thoughts and prayers with you and family.
From: Vince Mayich
My sincere condolence on Delores’ passing. I knew her as a lady who loved life, family and friends. Many a good times will be remembered especially during family gatherings at our place after Christmas Eve mass and summertime in Ben E’oin. May she Rest In Peace.
From: Julie Mayich
Frank
Sorry to read of your wife’s passing. I guess we are of that age.
From: Roy Mac Donald
My thoughts and prayers are with you Lisa and your family during this difficult time .
From: Ann Louise (Muise) Saunders
what a lady and fun to grow up with. Frank to you and your family our prayers are with you. Will always remember the fond memories of our early days. Rest in peace Du Du
From: Ray Mac Cormack
So sorry to hear Delores passed away. I golfed with her at the Lakes a number of years ago and you were always guaranteed a good laugh with Delores. Her comment on hole#1 would be “I wonder what Delores is here today” Please accept our deepest sympathy
Remembering her fondly;
From: Barbara J. MacLean
Frank and family,
We are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts
and prayers.
From: Kenneth and Claudette Gray
Sending sincere condolences to the starzomski and MacCormack families. So very sorry to hear of DuDu passing . May she Rest In Peace
From: Cotter and Margaret Oliver
Deepest sympathies are extended to the family on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Delores will surely be missed by all who knew her.
From: Charlotte & Wilf Ingram
Our family sends sincere condolences to the Starzomski family; you are in our thoughts. Susanne, Gerry, and Melissa MacKenzie; Ainsley Mullen.
From: Susanne MacKenzie
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your beloved Mom. The tribute to your Mother in the obituary was well said. Even though she was taken too soon her life was a life well lived. May she rest in peace and may her memories be a blessing
From: Peggy Margetti
Thank you for asking me to the service, it was so moving, seeing and hearing the messages from the children. I was fine until communion, then the dam burst. I loved the releasing of the Doves. Delores will always be in our ( Carmella &Me) hearts. there are so many memories. You are the greatest family and I love you all. God Bless You
From: Myrna (Fogarty)Brown
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Starzomski and MacCormack families on the passing of Delores…to us DuDu…she will always be remembered by us as a dear friend…full on, exuberant and thoughtful. We hope you will be comforted in knowing she led a life well lived. JoAnne, Bruna, Patricia Raymond DiSano
From: Bruna DiSano
Heartfelt condolences to Krista Tanya Frank and all family members on the loss of your Mom and wife.
My heart breaks for you. Delores was a wonderful assertive kind funny person and my girls have awesome lovely memories of her at your home. So sorry for all Sending my love and hugs
From: Norma Tomiczek
Rest easy sweet lady. Sending prayers and condolences to Frank & family
From: Liz Melski
To the family of Delores, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Delores at the Lakes and I enjoyed many round and laughs with her over the years. She was definitely a “force to be reckoned with ” on the course. May she rest in peace.
From: Carol Sparks
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Starzomski and MacCormack families on the passing of Delores…to us DuDu…she will always be remembered by us as a dear friend…full on, exuberant and thoughtful. We hope you will be comforted in knowing she led a life well lived. JoAnne, Bruna, Patricia Raymond DiSano
From: Bruna DiSano
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this Difficult time.
Rob Jean and Katie
From: Robert Clemens and Family
So sorry to hear of Delores passing, I was fortunate to have known her on the golf course! Such a vibrant, thoughtful & kind person! My sincere condolences to her family. She will continue to watch over you!
From: Debbie Ann Kennedy
Frank, I know you, Your four daughters and extended family are in great pain for heartbreaking loss of your Dear Wife, Delores. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
From: Bernie Kokoszka
Frank and family- our thoughts and prayers are with you at these most difficult times. May happy memories help to ease the pain for you all.
From: Len and Raylene Chiasson
Dear Elaine and MacCormack & Starzomski Families: So sorry to hear about the loss of your much loved sister, wife, mother and grandmother. Please accept my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences. Margie (Reppa) Johnson & Jim Johnson
From: Barrett Clare-Johnson
Heartfelt condolences to the Starzomski Family, All you,her cherished ones, will miss Delores’s exuberant vitality and her loving presence. She will always remain in your hearts and will never be more than a thought away. May she Rest In Peace!
From: Tom & Eleanor Murphy
Our sincere condolences are extended to Krista Starzomski and her family on the passing of her mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today. Byron, Cathy, Jillian and Nathan Penman
From: Catherine Penman
Our thoughts are with you during this time.
From: Michael F. Yurczyszyn
Frank and family, it is with sadness that we heard of Delores’ passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of mourning.
From: Angus & Sheila MacNeil
I express my deepest condolences to Frank and to all of Delores’ family.
From: Bernard Siller
Frank so sorry to hear about your wife passing away. Although I never met her she sounded like a wonderful woman. A big loss for you and your family. Take care.
From: Paul Macdonald
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.
From: Bill MOZVIK
Dear Frank,
Our condolences to you, your daughters, and their families during this time. We know that the blessings of family meals, laugher, and love that Delores made with you all will now be blessings of joy, hope, and love in the sweet memories that you will all share forever.
From: Janet and Carl Chesal
With sympathy to family at this time. Have wonderful memories of Delores over the yrs in Whitney pier.
From: Carol mackay
To Frank, Cora Lee, Lisa, Krista Ann, Tanya and family,
Delores was a stand out in everything she was part of, with grace and inspiration she loved life. Delores always pushed joy and positivity in her life. Delores was willing to give a helping hand when needed. She was a great friend and supporter to Colette and I, Adam, Amy and Sarah. We will miss her dearly.
Dear Frank & Family we would like to express our sincere condolences to your family at this difficult time
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Delores was a wonderful woman and I enjoyed her company immensely. We shared many laughs on the golf course over the years. I will miss her larger than life personality!
Frank and family, my condolences to all of you on the passing of Delores! She was certainly one of a kind and will be missed by everyone who knew her. I have so many fond memories of her over the years and always such sweet ones! She was so proud of her “girls” and they were by her side every moment! Love to all of you.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with all of you.
My thoughts and most sincere sympathies are extended to you all. Such a wonderful lady who loved life. And all around it. We’ll miss you Delores.
Our deepest sympathies on your great loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
Frank and family I am so sorry for your loss
Frank, and “the girls”: Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Delores will most certainly be missed by family, and friends. She was so lucky to have had you all gathered around, family was her greatest treasure. Take Care and remember, with a smile, the times you shared.
Sending love and prayers,
Bernadette
To Delores’s Family ,please accept my sincere condolences .What a wonderful happy person this lady was ,working at the hospital when you saw her she always had a smile and your day would instantly be better. I really admired her and missed seeing her when she retired .Avery special lady! Sincere condolences Delores Henick
Krista and Family: Sending our sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother. Today and always may loving memories bring you peace, comfort and strength. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Frank, Lisa, Cora Lee, Krista Ann, Tanya and all the family. Delores’ obituary reflected what a terrific, kind person she was. When I did see her, we shared many laughs and memories of growing up in the Pier. Once a Pier Girl, always a Pier Girl. I marvelled at her unique, pleasant, and humorous personality. She will be deeply missed. Sincere condolences.
Frank and family,
So very sorry for your loss. Delores was a special lady. She will be lovingly missed and remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.Sincere condolences.
My deepest condolences to all the family
Condolences To The Family and Friends Of Delores, May Her Soul R.I.P.
Frank and Family,
I was saddened to read of Delores’s passing. My condolences on your tremendous loss.
Frank and family
So sorry to hear of her passing, she was a fine lady. Fond memories of years ago.
Cherish the great stories and memories.
I am so grateful to have met the Starzomski family all those years ago. Frank, you and Delores opened your home (and swimming pool) to a lot of kids over the years and we all benefited from your generosity while having a safe place to hang out. Delores will be remembered fondly by so many people and her ripple effect in this world will last for generations. I’m so sorry for your loss but I know you are surrounded by that incredible family and that together, you can get through anything.
Also sending my love and deep friendship to the 4 sisters and all the grandchildren.
My deepest condolences to the Starzomski family on your loss of Deloris, my thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to the family!
So sorry for your loss. May time ease your sorrow and memories bring you peace.
Sending my deepest condolences. I was lucky to have shared a round of golf with Delores and a cart, so I picked up lots of tips. She was lots of fun. Sending hugs Anna Poirier
Lisa and family, we are so sorry for your loss and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Dear Frank (and family)
Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing of your dear wife, Delores. May she rest in peace, and may you all be comforted by the love and gestures of sympathy from those who share your grief. My thoughts, masses, and prayers will be offered in your behalf. God bless you all. Joe Chesal (Antigonish)
Dear Frank, Lisa, Cora Lee, Krista Tanya ,Mac Cormack and Starzomski members.
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Dolores. She was truly one of a kind. Our love and prayers are with you. We will always have so many good memories of times spent together. We will miss her delicious pork pies and perogies. I’m so sorry I can’t be with you but happy Mike will be there to represent the family. Lots of love. Maryena and Mike.
Our sympathy goes out to Frank, the girls and grandchildren. Delores will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. She touched so many in so many ways.
This is truly a well written obituary. It covers “Life with Delores” quite well.
Sad to say, another MacCormack cousin has departed this life.
Delores was always full of fun and “one of a kind”. We always enjoyed her company.
RIP.
Frank and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts
and prayers.
Ken and Claudette
To the Starzomski family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts as you grieve such an incredible loss xoxo
Tanya and family, our deepest sympathies on the loss of your mom.
The funeral was beautiful! Delores had a wonderful send off! God Bless all of you!
Delores was always someone you were happy to see & your day was better for it! Condolences to Frank & family.
Condolences to the Starzomski and MacCormack families on the passing of Delores. A fine lady and another bright light will be missing from the Pier community. Thoughts and prayers go out to the families. RIP Delores. Joe and Sandra Petitpas
Frank and family. I am sorry for the loss of Delores. May she rest in peace.
Our deepest condolences to The Starzomski and MAC Cormack families.
May you find comfort in the memories made over the years with Delores .
Sincerely Rosalie (Doyle) and Dave Lionais
Hi Uncle Frank and Cora Lee, Lisa, Krista Ann, and Tanya-
We’re so sorry to hear of Aunt Delores’ passing, and send you all our love.
Brian, Aimee, and Zach
Frankie and girls, so sorry for your loss, she was a lovely lady and so kind to everyone. Heaven will be a better place with her there now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sandra and John Doyle
(Maziarz)
Dear Cora Lee, Krista, Tanya, Frank and Family,
Kindly accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your loved one and our kind, friendly neighbor, Delores. We shall miss chatting with her and seeing her smile as she relaxed on the shore in one of her favorite spots while listening to Peter J.’s music or heading over to her morning golf sessions. Hopefully, your fond memories of Delores will help you through this most difficult time- hugs, Lynda and Peter J. MacDonald
To Frank and Family,
So sad to hear of the passing of Delores. Years ago, Hughena and her mother Minnie (Peinsznski) Matheson and her aunt Jennie (Peinsznski) Walsh attended a service at the Polish Church. After the service, we were invited to Frank and Delores’ home. We have good photos of that day. What a welcoming and warm lady Delores was!
Cherish the memories of all the great times together with her. Take care of one another.
With deepest sympathy,
The Mathesons ( Caroline, Hughena and Donald Jr.)
Tanya and Krista
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts are with you during this most difficult time.
Kelly Baldwin
To Frank and Family:
We are so sorry to learn of Delores’ passing, and the great loss to the Starzomski and MacCormack families. She had an amazing journey and uplifted the lives of many people along her way. Our thoughts are with you all.
Janice Walsh-Ward and Gary Ward
Dear Ms Chislett, Ms Starzomski & family,
We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. We hope you find strength in all of your wonderful memories in the upcoming days. She sounds like she was a lot of fun and will be very much missed.
Take care,
Susan, Darren & Owen MacDonald
Frank and Family. So sorry to hear about Delores’s Passing . Our thoughts and prayers are with you All as you deal with your loss. Sounds like she was a very lovely person. May she Rest In Peace. God Bless. Roddie and Judy.
So sorry to hear Delores passed away! Such a devastating loss for you Frank, girls and beautiful grandchildren. May all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time! Sending love and prayers to the Starzomski/MacCormack Family!
My deepest condolences to the Starzomski/MacCormack families. Also to Heather , Steve and Family. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Frank, Lisa, Cora Lee, Krista, Tanya, Frankie, Sophie and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Delores’ passing. When I think of Delores I think of her infectious laugh, kindness and her spunk. I am thinking of all of you during the difficult time. Sending hugs your way.
She was an amazing woman!
Frank and Family,
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Delores. We will always have fond memories of our friendship with Delores over the many years. Our deepest condolences on your loss. May she rest in peace.
IMO Delores, a donation will be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton.
Sincerely,
The Vuletich Family
We express our deepest condolences to Frank, Krista and to all of Delores’ family. We are so sorry for your loss.
May time and happy memories help to ease the pain for you all. Magda and Edmund
Frank and Family:
We are sorry to hear about Delores’ passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ken Horechuk and Katie Markotich
Thinking of you and your family Frank. God bless her.