WELCH, Dolores S.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 10/07/2003 Dolores S. Welch It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Dolores S. Welch (Koehnemann), 72, of Lakeside Oct. 1, 2003. Dolores leaves to cherish her memory by her loving husband, Richard; five of her children - Tom (Susan) Welsh of New Orleans, Louisiana, Mary Welsh of Lake Tahoe, California, Meg (Jim) Pietsch of Tucson, Sarah (Charlie) Johnston of Winnipeg, Canada, Amy (Randy) Brauer of Tucson; ten grandchildren; two sisters - Mary (Tom) Nolan of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Karen (Bob) Goldschmidt of Scarborough, New York; as well as many other relatives and friends. She is united with her son Mark Richard who preceded her. Dolores began her life's journey in Champaign, Illinois Feb. 15, 1931, becoming a gifted musician by mastering the accordion, piano, and organ at a young age. It was through her love of music that she met and married Richard Welsh June 19, 1954, her husband of 49 years. During their years in Erie, Pennsylvania, Dolores inspired many in her life with her profound faith and years of service playing the organ at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Lawrence Park, Pennsylvania. After having lived in Pocatello, Idaho, Jamestown, North Dakota, and Tucson, she and Richard moved to Lakeside, to fully enjoy their mutual love of nature. As a Good Samaritan, her nurturing spirit reached out to others in all walks of life wherever she lived, as she firmly believed her life's mission was to serve people by following the footsteps of Christ. Dolores' gently ministry through her music and craft work demonstrated her enthusiasm for life and compassionate healing nature. Her genuine spirit shined as she led a balanced life of love for God and family and service to others. an unwavering positive attitude and deep faith sustained her through difficult periods of her life including a recent bout with cancer. Dolores' great spirit leaves behind a legacy of true grace and peace to those who were privileged enough to have known her. Services will be held in Pinetop at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church Friday, Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. Rosary will be Thursday at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the American Cancer Society.