Dolores Bernadette Vayo, 91, of Virginia Beach, VA, formally of Milford, MA, passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, VA. Born in Uxbridge, MA, she was the daughter of the late Bernard Moore and Aniela “Nellie” (Moore) Cota. She was married to Richard W. Vayo for 59 years until his passing in 2015. Dolores was a graduate of Worcester State College, Class of 1954.
Dolores was a teacher in the Milford School system for the majority of her career, including many years as Head Teacher at the elementary level. Her passion for teaching and education led her to being a reading specialist in the later years of her career, before retiring in 1995. Dolores instilled her tenant of education on her 3 daughters, ensuring each went to college, which was one of her proudest accomplishments as a parent.
After retirement, she was a proud member of Milford’s Red Hat Society for many years and loved sporting her Red Hat at the many events and outings the Society participated in. She was also a proud volunteer for the Town of Milford, volunteering for years at the voting booth and in Town Offices. She especially loved when tax season came around and she was able to help the “old people” as she lovingly called them when she herself was past age 70.
Dolores is survived by her 3 daughters, Karen Gagnon and her husband John and their children Michelle and Jeffrey of Bellingham, MA, Laurie Johnson and her husband Howard Bialas and her children Kayla and Emily of Virginia Beach, VA, and Cynthia MacWhinnie and her husband Scott and their children Chad (married to Jayne) and Kiera of South Portland, ME. She is also survived by her younger sister, Carolyn Cota, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Dolores was predeceased by her sister, Constance Knapik and her two brothers, Philip and Harrison Cota.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 12:00 P.M. (noon) at the Sacred Heart Church in Hopedale on Hopedale St. The burial will follow in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Whitinsville, MA. Calling hours will be held prior to the funeral Mass from 9:30 to 11:30 A.M. at the Consigli-Ruggerio Funeral Home 46 Water St.