Helen Delores Stebelton 1932-2026

Dolores, which was what she went by for her entire life, was born Sept. 16, 1932, in New Kensington, Pa., to the late Kenneth Bryan Sr. and Helen Schoentag Bryan.

She was a 1950 graduate of Springfield High School, where she was a social butterfly as both a cheerleader and majorette. She also modeled for Sears, Roebuck & Co.

High school is where she met the love of her life, Paul Stebelton. They married June 20, 1953, and spent their first few years as newlyweds traveling the country, living in El Paso, Texas, and Fairbanks, Alaska, while Paul was in the military.

The couple eventually came home to Poland, where they had two sons, Michael and David.

Dolores attended Youngstown College (now known as Youngstown State University) and used her secretarial degree to hold many positions throughout her life, from a teller at the former Home Savings Bank downtown to having her own interior decorating shop. She was even in charge of bookkeeping at her son David’s optometry practice in the center of Poland for several decades.

Dolores never went by her first name. That was what she was called for as long as she could remember, and it stuck. Once she became a grandmother, she would not allow anyone to call her “Granny.” She was not that old,” she said!

Dolores loved being a grandmother and always made every holiday and party entertaining and fun. From taking them to lessons to helping with elaborate school projects, she was always on hand to help her grandchildren with whatever they needed.

While only there for a short time, the nurses and aides at Shepherd of the Valley said they loved her spunk and sharp mind, which never faded.

Dolores is survived by her three grandchildren, Lauren (Jason) Mauro, David Stebelton II and Jill Stebelton; as well as one great-grandson, Dominic David Michael Mauro. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Stephanie, and several nieces and nephews. They will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her brother, Kenneth Bryan II; sister-in-law, Cecile Bryan; and two sons, Michael Stebelton and Dr. David Stebelton.

Calling hours will take place 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, with a funeral service immediately following at 10:30 a.m. at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, 2726 Center Road, Poland.

Burial will take place in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

(special notice)