Dolores C. Belt Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Our beloved Mother Dolores Belt, born June 23, 1939, aged 82, passed away on June 17, 2022. A long-time resident of East Islip, and most recently of Patchogue New York. She is preceded in death by her mother, Emma Sekulski, James E. Belt, the love of her life, her daughter Debra Ann Paul and her husband Michael Paul. She is survived by her five children, Ted Donaghy, Darren Francis (Suzy) Lainez, Dan Donaghy, Mary Donaghy, Joe Donaghy and his wife Conny. Her grandchildren, Gillian Donaghy, Nate Donaghy, Danny Donaghy, Thomas Paul, David Donaghy and his wife Kristi Donaghy, Alex Donaghy and his wife Christi. Her great grandchildren Audrey Donaghy and Joy Alexandria Donaghy And the Tadlocks, especially Wanda, her extended family in Texas, and the many friends she made everywhere she went. Dolores was known as Dolores, Mother, Ma, but often as Granny. She was born in Queens, New York, placed in an orphanage and a number of foster homes growing up in her early years. This experience shaped her into the woman she was, strong, able to overcome adversity, never quenching her ability to love, hope, and dream, but only enhancing these. At one point, with her beauty, she aspired to be a model with the Ford Agency In 1957, she married her first husband, Joe Donaghy, the father of her six children. Later they moved to Miller Place in 1969. Although times were lean and hard, the children never knew it was that way. Her children were everything for her. Dolores had the "can do" attitude and approach to life. She was brave and resourceful enough in believing in herself she could do anything with the right tools. She taught her children the same spirit. From fixing bicycle flats, changing out alternators and starts in the old egg beater cars they had, she could and did do it, she showed them how to "think outside the box" to accomplish what needed to be done, and she knew how to stretch a dollar In Setauket Harbor, “Our Gang”, she spent weeks during the summer with her children, there she taught them how to fish, eel, go crabbing, clam, catch worms, and to love the water. However, she was no cook when it came to pork chops, which became affectionately known as hockey pucks, Dolores also taught her children how to trellis land and build rock walls. Then at 38 years old she found herself widowed after a difficult and abusive 24-year marriage. Left completely on her own, she forged on with her kids and dogs in tow. With her strong personality, and determination, she survived that difficult and turbulent time. At age 40, her life began, and she found her true love, Jim Belt. Although they both came from difficult previous relationships, they healed together and built an everlasting one in marriage.

Tributes

Dolores C. Belt

June 23, 1939 - June 17, 2022