Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 1/20/2006

Dolores J. Cerlesi

Oct. 22, 1915 -- Jan. 19, 2006

Dolores J. Cerlesi, 90, of South Main Street, Mishawaka, passed away on Thursday, January 19, in Fountainview Place, Mishawaka.

Dolores was born on October 22, 1915, in Universal, Indiana, as the daughter of the late Eugene and Catherine (Benzo) Poletti. On November 4, 1937, in Mishawaka, she married Leo Cerlesi, who passed away on December 30, 1983. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Clara Kodba and Inez Zanotti.

Dolores is survived by four nephews, Gene Kodba of Matzatlan, Mexico, Wally (Stacie) Kodba of Osceola, Don Zanotti and Brian Zanotti, both of South Bend, IN; four nieces, Sharon Burrow of Bedford, VA, Connie (Don) Francis of Mishawaka, IN, Cathy (George) Heiner of Cumpas, Mexico, and Debbie (Gerry) Wilson of Granger, IN. There are also several great-nieces and nephews surviving.

Dolores had been an area resident since 1921. She retired after 20 years working for Uniroyal. Dolores was an amateur artist of oil painting and her fondness of sewing made her a wonderful seamstress. She also belonged to the DeAmicis Ladies Auxiliary.

Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, January 21st, in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral services will be held at noon in the funeral home, with Reverend Don Francis officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. The family requests that contributions be made to the Diabetes Association of St. Joseph County United Health Services, 711 E Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617; or to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Memorial & Tributes Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.