Dolores M. O'Malley

Dolores M. (Vargas) O'Malley, 91, of South Dartmouth, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was the widow of the late James P. O'Malley, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford to Clarence and Edna (Mellor) Vargas, Dolores was raised in South Dartmouth.

Dolores was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in South Dartmouth.

She was a graduate of Dartmouth High School, class of 1952.

Dolores worked in the office at NATCO for many years. She was loved by her coworkers, winning the favorite coworker vote year after year. She was like a "mom" to many of the drivers. In later years she rejoined the workforce at Coastline Elderly, and remained there until retiring to care for her husband.

She enjoyed volunteering at the Solanus Casey Food Pantry, and took her job as volunteer librarian at the Dartmouth Senior Center very seriously. She had a voracious love of books, and you could often find her deep in a favorite novel. She enjoyed spending time with friends and loved breakfast at Willow Tree.

Along with her husband Jim, Dolores raised five children. She loved traditions: a full porch for the Memorial Day Parade, her annual St. Patrick's Day party, birthday celebrations, and a full house on Thanksgiving.

Dolores is survived by her children, James O'Malley (Mary) of Whitehouse Station, NJ, Catherine Sawyer (Scott Amorin) of South Dartmouth, Monica O'Malley-Tavares (Kevin) of Mattapoisett, Brendan O'Malley (Christina Schwarz) of Briarcliff Manor, NY; 10 grandchildren, Lauren Medeiros, Mathew Medeiros (Jennifer), Allison O'Malley, Caitlin O'Malley (Cole Stevens), Patrick Sawyer (Hannah Breig), Noah Tavares (Julia Smith), Callie Tavares, Caroline O'Malley, Emma O'Malley and Connor O'Malley; two great-grandchildren, Carter Medeiros and Wesley Medeiros. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, William Baroa of South Dartmouth, along with many nieces, nephews and close friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, James, her daughter, Sharon O'Malley, and her sister, Carole Baroa.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday June 13th at 10 AM in St. Mary's Church, South Dartmouth. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Friday June 12th from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Solanus Casey Food Pantry by donating to Catholic Charities,1600 Bay St., Fall River, MA 02724 (please specify this food pantry), or to The Brain Research Foundation at www.thebrf.org. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.