Obituary of Dolores Fallenstein

The Good Lord called his angel, Dolores Fallenstein, 83, of Mountainhome, home on April 7, 2014. Dolores was born on Oct. 31,1930, in Philadelphia. She was the daughter of the late John M. and Edith G. (DeLong) Conner. Throughout her life, Dolores was always involved in various school and community activities. She graduated salutatorian from Upper Southampton-Warminster High School in 1948. Dolores married John E. "Jack" Fallenstein on June 10, 1950. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on June 10, 2013. While living in Bucks County, Dolores was very active in the Warrington Fellowship Church. She was a Sunday-school teacher and started a chapter of "Pioneer Girls" while a member of the church. She also was a den mother for the Cub Scouts and always supported her children's activities and interests. After moving to Barrett Township in 1971, Dolores did not hesitate to become involved in, and support, her community. She was the president of the Pocono Mountain Booster Club for two years; she was a supporter of Arbor Day and was the guest speaker when the inaugural tree was dedicated to John Styk. Dolores had a gift for the written word and used this gift to write a weekly column, "Barrett Bulletins," for the Pocono Record. Her weekly trivia question was a popular feature and she had a faithful following of readers who called to give their answers every week. She also wrote a monthly column, "Out to Lunch," for Sage. Dolores paired her wonderful sense of humor with her love of quotations and puns to publish a book, lovingly illustrated by Marian Styk, entitled "Thoughts While Ironing." She was a former member of the Bell Choir at Mountainhome United Methodist Church and always loved to praise the Lord through music. Dolores found great comfort and peace in listening to her favorite hymns. Many children of Barrett Township may remember her as the "Halloween Lady." Dolores and her husband, Jack, opened their home on numerous occasions to give local day cares/Boy Scouts tours of their home when it was elaborately decorated for Halloween and Christmas. Dolores was recognized for her contributions to the community when she proudly served as grand marshal of the Barrett Township Halloween Parade. When Jack and Dolores owned Leggieri's Restaurant and tavern in Stroudsburg, she opened Big D's Western Wear in the lower level. She later moved her clothing store to Canadensis. While owners of Leggieri's Dolores delighted patrons each Christmas by reciting "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by memory. Reciting this story was a family tradition enjoyed for years by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dolores is survived by her faithful and devoted husband, Jack, who was steadfast in his commitment to caring for her during her illness. She is also survived by her son, Jack and his wife, Diana, of Sayre; her son, Jim and his wife, Carol, of Tannersville; her daughter, Diane McAllister and Don of Swiftwater; her daughter, Deb Savelli and her husband, Anthony, of Martins Creek; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Florence; a sister, Barbara Ann; and a brother, Gary. She was predeceased in death by her sister, Nancy and her brothers, John and Ronnie. Dolores will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Truly, to know her was to love her. Calling hours will be from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Thursday, April 10, at Paradise Valley Baptist Church, 395 Koerner Road, Cresco, with the funeral service immediately following at noon at the church. After the church service, there will be a private graveside service for the family at Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations, in her name, may be made to Paradise Valley Baptist Church or a Parkinson's disease charity of your choice.