Dolores K. Milne, 90, of Lewiston, NY, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2024, surrounded by her family at the Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence.

Born on May 26, 1934 in Niagara Falls, NY, Dolores was the daughter of the late Peter and Adele Franches; and the loving wife of the late James Milne, former Corporation Counsel and Acting City Manager of the City of Niagara Falls.

After graduating from Niagara Falls High School and securing her Nursing degree from Niagara University, Dolores embarked on a more than fifty-year career of caring for others as a Registered Nurse.  She truly loved serving as a nurse, particularly after she transitioned to pediatric care beginning in the early 1970s.  Caring for children was her true calling – she served literally multiple generations of families, with children and even grandchildren of early patients coming under her care.  She began working in Pediatrics at the practice of Schiff, Crea & Kushner in Niagara Falls, then spent nearly 30 years with Rainbow Pediatrics in Lewiston, NY, working principally with Dr. Tom Gerbasi and, later, Dr. Shawn Ferguson.  She loved caring for young people and being with her colleagues, who became like family to her.  Dolores loved her work so much that she kept at it into her 80th year, reluctantly stepping away only when joint issues made it impossible for her to be on her feet all day.

In her spare time, Dolores acted as an informal medical adviser, caregiver and/or life counselor to an array of neighbors in the economically-challenged north end of Niagara Falls, where she made her home for over 50 years.  Her door was never closed to anyone in the neighborhood needing help of any kind.

Dolores was equally devoted to her family and despite all of her work, she somehow found a way to make everyone in her family feel loved and prioritized.  Her welcoming nature also ensured that Dolores was solidly considered one of the most popular moms among her kids' friends as they grew up.

Dolores had a rare mix of smarts, warmth, good-humor, dedication and compassion that made her an excellent nurse, beloved mom, respected colleague and cherished friend to so many over the years. She also had moxie. Dolores was never afraid to speak her mind (at a time when it was often not easy for a woman to do so); but she also never failed to find something to laugh about even amidst adversity.

Dolores loved animals of all kinds, and was devoted to the many furry friends who became part of her family, including Princess, Raja, Skipper, Momis, Bumpus, Angus, Nigel, Dudley, Petunia and Zoey.  She also loved art (she was a frustrated painter and sculptor), music, movies, shopping – and, perhaps above all, finding ways to laugh about anything.

It is aptly said that "In the end, it's not the years of your life that count. It's the life in your years."  By that measure, Dolores lived a full life indeed.  She will be sorely missed.

Dolores is survived by her children, Robert (Erin) Milne, and Christopher (Maryanne) Milne; her cherished grandchildren, Alex Milne, Sarah Milne, Loren (Brendan) Perreault, and Jacquelyn Milne; as well as her dearest extended family, including her "sister", Kay Grice, with whom she got up to many adventures, and her dear friend Kim La Greca, who was like a daughter to her.

A visitation will be held Saturday, July 27 from 4 – 6 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, followed at 6 PM with a Celebration of Dolores' Life. In keeping with Dolores' outlook in life, we hope that both the visitation and the Celebration can channel Dolores' humor, informality and irreverence.

Memorial offerings may be made to the Niagara County SPCA at niagaraspca.org. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences. Special thanks to the dedicated staff at Our Lady of Peace for their loving and compassionate care.