Dora Andrus

Dora Andrus

She was a lady in motion. Being equal parts Italian and Greek, Dora had the hardest of work ethics mixed with a zeal for life. She worked at everything from caring for the elderly and house cleaning to catering and running a limousine company. She figured that if she ran tours to A.C. she could hang out with her friends, gamble at the casino and make a little bit of money in the process. Dora loved all things Riverside; it was there she was born, bred and settled. Though she lived in a sea of green Dora still rooted for her beloved Cowboys. She did temper it a bit by cheering for the Phils: Dora even sent bags of bubble gum to Chase Utley to get him to stop using dip. Her children knew to stay in line, lest they get walloped with a soup ladle. Her love for others even extended to the animal kingdom. If Dora couldn’t talk her kids into taking the strays, she’s keep them for herself. Free time found her dining at the Madison and dancing to the rhythms of Don’t Call me Francis.

She is survived by her companion, Charles Rice; her children, Chad (Gail) of Riverside, Colleen (David) Boyce of Riverside and Denise Bolognese of Barnegat; her brother, Edward Abriola of Riverside and 6 grandchildren.

Come celebrate 67 years of hard work Tuesday 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday 9-10 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday 10:30 a.m. at Parish of the Good Shephard, St. Peter’s site, Riverside. Interment, St. Peter’s Cemetery.

16 Comments

  1. Karin Seiferheld says:

    So sorry for your loss. My God wrap his around you and your family in comfort.

  2. Lorraine Hatcher says:

    Your Mother was a lovely woman with a lot of spunk!!! My deepest condolences to
    the family.

  3. annette wills says:

    aunt dora i have worked a couple of catering jobs with you and it helped me my coping skill of dealing with people i will sadly miss you god bless and god bledd your family

  4. Pam Abriola Ricco says:

    Dora,a beautiful lady inside and out. She shared her heart and love for life everywhere she went. She will always be in our hearts. My deepest sympathies to all of you. I pray you lean on God during this difficult time and cherish all of your precious memories of her. She loved you all. She is resting in peace with Jesus.

  5. Rita Marianna says:

    RIP cousin..could always count on your help!

  6. Margaret Bird says:

    Dora was a dear friend for many years. She always put other people first. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do to help. I will miss her very much. My condolences goes out to all family and friends.

  7. Ronald Stillings Abriola says:

    I don’t claim to know you Aunt Dora as well as most. I do know your brother has the same work ethic, friendship, and love you gave our family over the years. I do know your leadership, love and compassion was felt from me as a young man. I am thankful for that.

    If Roses Grow in Heaven – Kirsten Preus

    Don’t think of her as gone away,
    Her journey’s just begun.
    Life holds so many facets,
    This earth is only one.
    Just think of her as resting
    from the sorrows and the tears,
    In a place of warmth and comfort
    Where there are no days and years.
    Think how she must be wishing
    That we could know today,
    How nothing but our sadness
    Can really pass away.
    And think of her as living
    In the hearts of those she touched,
    For nothing loved is ever lost
    And she was loved so much.

  8. Lisa Abriola says:

    May the Lord welcome you into his kingdom and bless you with eternal comfort & peace

  9. Glenda Williams says:

    I was saddened to read of the loss of your loved one. I personally
    experienced the grief of losing my loved ones. However, there is
    comfort to know the Holy Scriptures gives the assurance
    that God will end death, pain and sorrow. Rev 21:4
    For the ones we have lost in death, there is a promise for them.
    John 5: 28, 29.

  10. Colleen Boyce says:

    Mommy,
    I held your hand when you took your last breath as you held my tiny finger when I took my first. For that I am extremely grateful. It was tough to see you suffer in pain as you did the last 2 years. In some way I am trying to find comfort in knowing you are no longer in pain but the fact of the matter is, I wish I could come hold your hand one last time. Today I consoled your son as he sobbed uncontrollable. We are heart broken and will shed many more tears as we honor you over the next two days. Rest easy momma! I love you!
    Your daughter,
    Colleen

  11. Gerry Craft says:

    My condolences to the family of Dora Abriola Andrus. I did not know Dora well – I think she went to Holy Cross while I went to RHS. In fact, I haven’t seen her in well over 50 years. (I enlisted in the USAF in 1968 and moved to California in 1976.) The Abriolas lived across “The Hollow” from us – them on Park Avenue and us on Hooker Street.

    The girl I knew so long ago was feisty even then. The thing that I most remembered her for is the way she idolized her father Jake. The Jake I knew was a character and a bit on the ornery side, but I remember thinking two things even as young as I was. One was that there must be more to the man than most of saw for his daughter to love him that much. The second thing, even though marriage and children were a long way off in my future, is that I wondered if I would ever have a kid that loved me that much.

    Requiescat in Pacem, Dora.

  12. Bydell Wheeler says:

    I’m so very sorry for ur loss. She is at peace now, but it’s still so not fair to lose a loved one, she was always so happy to see me when I was at work and always asked about my parents before they passed , and loved that she always hugged e when she saw me, she even offered to lend me a luggage cargo thing when I was planning my 1st trip to the mountains, such a sweet woman , again so very sorry for ur loss. love Bydell Wheeler

  13. Regina Abriola Houser says:

    I have always known you to be a very intelligent, very caring and a very loving person. You were always up front and honest with everyone, no matter what, and i loved that about you. You always gave your best to everybody and showed your kids, to do your best at everything just like my daddy showed me, work hard and always put your best foot forward. Help when you can and show compassion to those who need it. You will definitely be missed and always thought of. I love you.

  14. Mandi Kayros says:

    Colleen, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It is so hard to lose a parent,but to lose a Mom is a different kind of pain. I will pray that memories of your mom comfort you and make you smile even in this very sad time. So very sorry.

  15. Ron, Dotti and Ron Taylor says:

    Dora was a wonderful family friend who never let how she was feeling stop her from coming to see my Mom. When my son was little he used to call her his granddaughter…it was really cute. Not long ago my son got to celebrate his birthday with Dora (both born in September) at the Madison…he will always remember that. She wasn’t perfect but she always tried to be. I have always thought of myself as an animal lover but I can tell you I totally pale in comparison to the love Dora had for animals – she was like Dr. Doolittle – every animal loved her because they knew the love in her heart for them. RIP my friend…you will be missed.

  16. Darlene P Smith says:

    My thoughts and prayers go out to the Family. I was never fortunate enough to meet Ms Andrus but, her children I love!!! Twin, if there is ANYTHING you need that I can do or help you with, please do not hesitate to ask! I love you Gurl and I feel your pain…no matter what the circumstances, a Mother & Daughter’s bond is something to hold on to and cherish- You NEVER faltered and you stayed by her side until the end. There is a set of Wings waiting with your name on them! Chad, Keep your head up Baby and may you have comfort in knowing Mom is in a better place and free from pain! To the entire Family…keep the Faith and Trust in the Lord…This too shall pass
    Sharing with you all My Deepest Sympathy!!!
    Dar

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