Dolores McCullough

Dolores McCullough (nee’ Whalen) passed away peacefully , surrounded by her loving family on Friday August 26, 2022, just shy of her 96^th birthday.  Dolores was pre-deceased by her husband John J. McCullough, son John, Jr. and daughter Patrice. Born in West Philadelphia to Charles and Delia (Byrne) Whalen, Dolores grew up surrounded by her brothers and sisters, Harry, Byrne, Charles, Jeanne and Helen, along with countless cousins. The Whalen kids remained so close all their lives and spoke so fondly of their happy days growing up in Philadelphia and North Wildwood.

In 1947 Mom met the love of her life, John McCullough. She went with a girlfriend who was being set up on a blind date with John, but once he saw Dolores it was love at first sight for both!  They shared a wonderful life until he passed away in 1984. Mom and Dad married on Thanksgiving weekend 1948 and began their happily ever after.  They bought a house in Havertown and soon filled it with their five kids, Claire, John Jr., Patrice, Christopher and Lori. Mommie made her life all about creating a happy and loving home for her family. Not only her kids, but also her many nieces and nephews and her kid’s friends, all of whom adored her. There was always room at her kitchen table for everyone.  As a mom, she was fun and fearless and always taking us on adventures….once she took four of us and four of our friends to the World’s Fair in New York – how do you keep track of 8 little ones alone?!  She was plucky and resourceful and made our lives special beyond measure.

Mom perfected the art of homemaking. In addition to being a fabulous cook, she was a talented seamstress. We always had the most elaborate homemade Halloween costumes and beautiful christening gowns for each new addition to the family. Her favorite hobby though was tending to her beautiful  gardens, each year they were more gorgeous  than the last. In later years, she loved puzzles of all kinds and never missed an answer on Jeopardy.

Mom loved her kid’s spouses  - they were never in-laws – they were just her kids and she and dad provided a beautiful example of marriage and raising happy children.   Michael,  Sylvia, Steve, Lisa and Ed all loved Mom and always wanted to be in the circle of fun with her.

“Mom-Mom” adored her grandchildren -  Michael Jr. (Irya), John III, Melissa, Kathleen Dolores (Mark), Victoria (Dan), Jennifer (Kevin), James (Chie), Stephen (Amber), Chris Jr., and John (Athena) and they adored her right back.  They were the joy of her life. She also was blessed with 9 great grandchildren who brought her so much happiness. Michael III,  her namesake Lola, Eva, Kevin, Kyle, Danielle, Jessica, Sean and J.J. – they all loved their “Lolo” more than anything. 

Mom was blessed with the gift of faith and a special devotion to Blessed Mother which comforted her up until her last moments.  That  was the most important gift she shared with us all, we know that one day we will be with her again in Heaven.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the family Thursday, September 1, 2022 7:00-9:00 PM and Friday, September 2, 2022 9:00-10:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike (cor. Lynn Blvd.), Upper Darby, PA and to her Funeral Mass at 10:30  AM at Annunciation BVM Church, 401 Brookline Blvd., Havertown, PA.  Interment SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.