Dolores Irene Despard, 87, of Akron, and formerly of Ephrata, died at home on Saturday, April 8, 2017.
She was the wife of the late Victor R. Despard, who died in 1989. Born in Ephrata on April 19, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Galen E. and Ruth Shirk Rishel, and lived in the same house across from The Cloisters for 36 years before moving to Akron.
Dolores was a 1947 graduate of Ephrata High School and a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ephrata. She was employed for 23 years at Sperry New Holland where she was an executive secretary and participated in the bowling and softball leagues and sang in the chorus. She and her husband owned and operated McCormick Travel Agency for 20 years; retiring in 1998.
Dolores loved sports. In addition to softball and bowling, she was an avid golfer and fan of the Eagles, 76ers, and Phillies. She enjoyed traveling and had been to all of the United States, South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe. Gardening and photography were also her hobbies.
Dolores was a member of the Hamilton Club, New Holland B.P.W. and A.M.S. She was also an animal lover; her beloved pet and companion poodle, Brandy, lived for 18 years.
Dolores is survived by a sister: Marian A. Meckley of Akron; nephews: Jeff Bare (Sheri) of Maytown, Mike Bare (Merri) of Lititz, Gary Meckley (Robyn) of Lititz; a niece: Cindy Miller of Ephrata; and sister-in-law: Betty J. Rishel of Denver.
In addition to her husband and parents, Dolores was preceded in death by two sisters: Betty R. Bare and Joanne R. Rossman; a brother: Galen E. Rishel Jr.; and two nephews: Douglas R. Bare and Allen C. Rishel.
Services were held April 12 at Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata, with the Rev. Henry E. Herbener officiating. She was interred in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Ephrata.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Dolores’ memory to the Lancaster County Humane League, U.S. Humane Society, ASPCA, PETA, Wildlife Association, or your favorite charity.
To send online condolences, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com. Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata, handled the arrangements.
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