Dolores E. (Wilcox) West, 83, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, surrounded by her eight children. Born in Warwick, she was the daughter of the late Donald E. and Hazel (Brakenwagen) Wilcox and a graduate of Warwick Veterans Memorial High School (class of 1959). Dolores was the wife of the late Lawrence Edward West Jr. and the beloved mother of Dawn M. Romans (Cy), Heidi D. Gregory, Lawrence E. West III (Anna), Heather R. West, Holly B. West, Jonathan D. West, Daniel West and Gretchen Cole (Jesse). She was also a loving grandmother to Anthony, Taylor and Jacob; Joshua, Austin, Lawrence and Lilisa; Dylan and Karly; Jordan; Kali, Tracy and Greg; Emily and Elias; and great grandmother of Snow, Sage, Nora and Monroe. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is also survived by her siblings: Judith Jenks, Carole Snow, Donald Wilcox Jr., Donna Mello, Ernest Wilcox, the late Albert Wilcox and many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.
Loved and treasured by many for her warm and genuine spirit, our unconditionally loving mother took the express line to heaven. Her family was always her priority, and she treasured the time she spent with them. Her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. Fun, loving, and a bit silly, Mom was a child at heart and loved playing and singing with the little ones. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures - reading, poetry and doing puzzles. She also enjoyed knitting, gardening, hiking, watching TV, and exploring her family history through genealogy. She had a passion for baking and a sweet tooth to match, always sharing treats with those she loved.
Her love for Jesus was the foundation of her life, guiding her every step with grace, compassion, and kindness. Even up to the age of 80, she worked the land to maintain her happy place in Maine—a testament to her resilience and passion. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, faith, and kindness, reminding us to live scrupulously and compassionately. She will be missed by all who knew her, but her spirit, faith, and laughter will live on in our hearts.
Her funeral will be private at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in the family lot in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, North Kingstown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island, 50 Valley Street, Providence RI 02909 will be appreciated.
