Helen Delores Salveta, 89, of Elk Rapids, began her final journey home on Thu, Jan 30, 2020. Her kind heart had decided it was time for her to visit those who had gone before, including her loving husband, Theodore; son, Robert, sister, Loretta; and many loving friends and family.
Delores was born on May 17, 1930 and was the oldest daughter of Harold and Nina Hammaker, originally from IL, who came to Michigan to make their home in Detroit. Delores attended Nolan High School in Detroit and eventually married her high school sweetheart, Ted, on Oct 22, 1949.
The mother of five boys, we've often wondered how she put up with us, but Mom was a strong woman with not only a big heart, but a great sense of balance. Even with all of the responsibilities of raising five boys in Southfield, Delores found time to have a career working in accounting, which she enjoyed. She loved to travel and she and Ted spent many years splitting their time between their retirement home in Elk Rapids and their winter home in Estero, FL.
Delores was especially grateful for the decades-long friendships with her sorority sisters, whom she adored. Everyone Delores met was engaged and pleased by her positive can-do attitude. She enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends, and Mom was especially adept at smoothing ruffled feathers and keeping peace within the family.
Delores is survived by her sons, Theodore, Daniel, David, and Thomas. She is especially proud of her granddaughters, Jennifer, Theresa, Angela, and Maria, who were really the daughters she never had herself. It just goes to show us how good things come to those who wait. Her other grandchildren include, Greg, Robbie and Donna, children of her oldest son, Theodore; Kevin and Craig, sons of Daniel, and Tom, son of Thomas. Delores was blessed with five great grandchildren, Hannah, Gabriel, Claire, Gloria, and Theo, her latest joy.
Visitation for Delores will be on Tue, Feb 4, from 4 to 8 pm at the Covell Funeral Home, 312 Pine St in Elk Rapids. Visitation will continue on Wed at 10 am at Sacred Heart Church, 143 Charles St, Elk Rapids, with the funeral Mass at 11 am. Her burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield on Friday.
OUr bright and guiding light has left this earth, but we are positively certain there is a new one in the heaven's above. We miss you Mom, God speed.
