Delores “Dee” Schmick was born to Joseph and Mary Gorski (Zeuroof) in Racine, Wis., and passed away peacefully, with her children by her side, at Hospice in Coeur d’Alene, ID on February 14, 2014.

Delores grew up in Beaver Dam, Wis., and Nekoosa, Wis. She married Bernard J. Schmick at Sacred Heart Church in Nekoosa in 1948. Of this union, there were six children; they later divorced.

While raising her children in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., Delores worked at Riverview Hospital as a certified nursing assistant in the Obstetrics department. She moved to Chicago, Ill., in 1980 to be closer to her sister, Genevieve, niece and nephew, Janice and Jerry (Trudy), and their family. During that time, she worked for Pinkerton as a security guard. Delores joined two of her daughters in Gillette, Wyo., in 1983. She worked for the Department of Family Services for the elderly for four years prior to retiring in 1990. In 2006, Delores moved to Coeur d'Alene to be closer to one of her daughters.

In her early adult years, Delores enjoyed dancing with her friends in the local ballrooms. Some of her happiest times were spent listening to her children sing. Delores cherished the many friends in her life, especially her caring friends at the Coeur d’Alene Senior Apartments. Her gentle nature and cheerful personality enriched the lives of all who knew and loved her.

Delores was preceded in death by her mother and father, five brothers, and one sister. She is survived by her children: Alan Schmick, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., David Schmick (Karen), Nekoosa, Wis., Kathy Beadle (Harvey), Rudolph, Wis., Dan (Cindy) Schmick, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., Karen Hoff, Coeur d’Alene, and Mary (Lon) Christopherson, Gillette, Wyo.; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A private family service was held in Coeur d’ Alene. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene, or the American Lung Association.