Terry Dorrell

Theresa Marie Dorrell, age 88, was born in Cleveland, OH on February 7, 1936 to William Salvatore and Theresa (DeRosa) Lombardo and went to be with her Lord after a short few months of Pancreatic Cancer. She passed on November 7, 2024 at the Denver Hospice Center in Denver, CO surrounded by her family. 

Theresa was known as “Dolly” to her mother’s side of the family. She was given the nickname by her mothers’ sisters as she was small and petite like a doll. Named after her mother, Theresa Marie, she was adored by her big Italian family. She married James Lee Dorrell, a now retired Airforce Veteran, whom she met when he was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota. They married on October 16, 1955. This union was blessed with sons Edward Lee, Michael William, and daughter Theresa Marie (Lenehan). The family moved many places throughout James' military service including Missouri, Kansas, California, and the Philippines. They  eventually settled in Aurora, Colorado when James retired in 1972. 

Theresa was known for her kind and gentle ways, and her deep affection for her family and friends. She loved the Lord, His church, and His word. She loved to read stories and play with her children and grandchildren. She was a talented and creative cook and quilter. In her spare time she could be found in her sewing room cutting out blocks for quilts and sewing them together. She taught her daughter and grandkids to cook and quilt, often taking them to quilting classes with her in the summer. When she finished quilts for her family, she would quilt for others at a senior quilting group. 

Theresa always had time for her family. She attended her children’s and grandchildren’s concerts and events, cooked for them, and most importantly prayed for her family. She always had a chocolate cake ready for them when they would come to visit! 

She is survived by her devoted husband of 69 years, James, her children: Michael, and wife Velvet, and Theresa (Lenehan) her husband Keith; Nine grandchildren, Hannah (Cook), Claire, Hayden, Chloee, and Hadley Dorrell, Emily, Joseph, Anna, and Rebecca Lenehan, a great granddaughter Averie Cook, and step sisters Alice Robinson and Devina Shaeffer. She was preceded in death by her parents Theresa M. (DeRosa) Pertereit and William S. Lombardo, her son Edward Lee Dorrell, brother Carl Lombardo, step-mother Marie Lombardo, step-brother Tony Lombardo, and step-sister Marcia Lombardo. 

A celebration of life with family and friends will be held at her home in Aurora on Sunday, November 10th 1-3 pm, and a Mass and burial will be held at a later date in Marceline, Missouri.

Her life was a gift, her memory a blessing. She will always be loved, adored, and remembered by her family and friends. “I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” — Abraham Lincoln