Obituary of Dolores Soriano

I am a mediocre foodie and finally I found a partner in Dolores trying some RESTAURANTS during Restaurant Week for a couple of years. One time, when she found out tha tha CARNEGIE DELI, a New York landmark, was closung, she made sure we were able to eat there on its last day! Our Restaurant Week ventures lasyed for about 2-3 years, untl we somehow changed our ways and just tried out any restaurant we could. I miss those days with Dolores alot. I do have the memories with me, still. Rest in peace, Miss Dolores Soriano.

It’s been six months ago when you came for my husbands , your nephew, funeral. We prayed, bonded with my adult children, exchanged beautiful family stories and planned for future vacation trips. We enjoyed your company very much Tita Lolit. May your soul attain the awaiting throne of glory and magnify and bless you forever. My family will never forget you.

A lot of memories that we have. We are always joining together for wherever we go, like for my daughter’s activities, especially my daughter’s recitals, performances, confirmations. Watching movies and all friends birthdays. We are always together. Very good memories. I’m very sad that she left me because the moment I’m ready to see her that’s the time I can’t see her.

For nine years, Dolores was more than a neighbor—she was for me a constant presence and familiar face who turned our apartment floor into our own little home, with gardening and flowering included! Every evening, there she would be on her stoop, ready with a warm smile as I returned from work. What began as an awkward greeting—her wondering who this guy was following her up a flight to her floor— blossomed into rich conversations that spanned the complexities of our world. Whether discussing the latest U.S. political developments or global issues of social inequities and justice, Dolores brought wisdom, passion, and open-mindedness to every exchange. She made the heaviest topics feel manageable through her smile, infectious laughter, and her ability to find light even in difficult times, like during COVID, when we both probably over-quarantined to avoid getting sick. The stoop is empty now, and the quiet entrance home serves as a reminder of the conversations we'll never have and the laughter we'll never share again. I will miss those, but will continue watering our plants as I did during your trips back to the Philippines. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Crying hysterically, because I have lost 2 messages I wrote from my heart. We have been great friends since the day I met you at NYU Medical Center where we both worked. You were funny, resilient, smart/ intelligent, caring, faithful, interesting, independent, a foodie, a traveler, a lover of life. You taught me so much over the years.We were different in some ways, but so alike in many ways. You were the unique & real friend I never had. I love you forever. I know you are in heaven, and I will reach out to you there. I thought we would travel, you'd come to me on the winter. I knew you would always have your apartment. I got mad when you went to the Philippines and didn't tell me. I was concerned then that I lost you and I had no one to ask. You came back????. Recently I talked to you. You had gone to Europe. You sounded well. Then Marge called. My heart is broken. I am sorry I didn't go to your funeral. I hope you understand that my chronic pain and depression caused me not to go. I am lucky to have had you as a friend/family. We knew each other well. We enjoyed NY together. You accepted me & cared about me. Thank you. I hope I was good for you too. We were foodies, both messes, played piano, always had lots to talk about, you knew my family ills. You taught me resilience. You were there for me. I hope you felt the same way about me. You were real, no phoniness about you. So unusual. I hope Marge doesn't mind if I contact her once in a while. I hope you died peacefully. I am glad you had a nice neighbor. My first message was the best. I don't want to lose this, so I am signing off in a moment. Please tell my beloved dogs and cats in heaven how much I love them. And my dad too. I love you forever Dolores? I will smile for the happy times we had. I am blessed by your friendship.