Racine – Dolores E. (nee: Nelson) Small, age 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at the Woods of Caledonia (formerly Elizabeth Residence) on Sunday, November 29, 2015.

Dolores was born in Racine on March 8, 1929 to the late Harold and Edna (nee: Poole) Nelson. She attended Trinity Lutheran School and was a 1946 graduate of Washington Park High School. While working in the Accounts Department at JC Penney in downtown Racine, she caught the eye of a handsome young man from the Shoe Department, Joseph J. Small, Jr. They were married on May 6, 1950 in St. Rose Catholic Church.

Dolores was a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker.  She worked as a teller at the Bank of Elmwood, and retired after 20 years of service.  Dolores was a faithful member of St. Lucy Catholic Church, where she was active in the altar society, home and school, and other parish activities.  In addition to her devotion to family, Dolores was an avid reader and sports fan.  She loved watching college basketball (especially Duke) and the Green Bay Packers.  Small in stature and most always on the quiet side (unless attending her children's and grandchildren's sporting events), Dolores loved and cherished each moment she spent with her family.

Surviving are her children, Joseph (Leanne) Small III, Thomas (Laurie) Small, Nancy (Jim) Rittgers and John (Maureen) Small; grandchildren, David, Lauren and Michael (Jennifer) Small; Erik, Kevin, Gina and Brian Small; Emily (Mark) Kosterman; Mike, Katie and Chad (Jenny) Rittgers; Aaron and Anna Small; great-grandchildren, Alyson, Olivia and Delaney Small; Lucy and Kennedy Rittgers; sisters, Joyce Helvick and Lucille Cherney; sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Don) Trimberger and Jackie Small; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention.

In addition to her parents, Dolores was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph J. Small, Jr., (December 3, 2002); infant son, Steven; sister, Marilyn Clausen; sister-in-law, Betty Felton; brothers-in-law, Wallace Small, Gordon Helvick and Robert Cherney; and by Joe's parents, Joseph J. Small, Sr. and Esther Small.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at noon in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. A memorial luncheon will follow.   Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 10:00 am – noon. Private entombment will take place on Monday at Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum, Hwy 32. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Lucy Catholic Church, St. Catherine's High School, St. Jude's Research Hospital, or to the Wounded Warrior Project have been suggested.

A special note of thanks to the entire staff and residents of Elizabeth Residence / Woods of Caledonia for providing a warm and inviting home for Mom. Special thanks to our sister, Nancy, for the constant care and dedication given to Mom in her time of need. May God bless all of you!