Obituary of Dolores V. Chipelo

Dolores Valinho Chipelo, 78, of St. Petersburg, Florida, wife of Henrique Chipelo Sr, passed away November 8^th, 2022, surrounded by her loving family at home. Dolores was born on February 4, 1944, in Waterbury Connecticut.

Dolores was predeceased by Maria Oliveira Valinho, mother, and Joaquim Santos Valinho, father, Joaquim Santos Valinho Jr., “Jack”, brother, Maria Ferreira Valinho, stepmother, John Graves, stepbrother, and Maria Helena Goncalves, stepsister.

Dolores’ legacy is survived by Henrique Chipelo Sr., Husband, Henrique Chipelo Jr, son, and his wife Kathy, Faith Schneider, daughter, and her husband, Jon, Rodney Chipelo, son, and his wife Jenelyn, five grandchildren, Kristen and Kimberly, Noelle, Josie, and Richard, two great grandchildren, Kaylei and Leo, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

There will be a Mass on Thursday December 1 at 09:30am in the chapel located at The Cathedral of Saint Jude the Apostle, 5815 5^th Ave North St. Petersburg, Fl, followed by a celebration of life at the Portuguese American Suncoast Association 7808 46^th Ave North St. Petersburg, Fl.

Dolores worked as a schoolteacher in Connecticut, St. Vincent’s’ pre-school and Azalea Elementary School in St. Petersburg, for over four decades prior to retiring to spend time with her family. Dolores graduated with her bachelor’s degree in education (1966) and master’s degree in education (1970) from Southern Connecticut State University.

In her free time, Dolores enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling around the world and especially enjoyed volunteering and mentoring in the classroom. Dolores was a parishioner of The Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church as well as a founding member of the Portuguese American Suncoast Association (PASA), where she held the position of Secretary Treasurer. Dolores was also a founding member of the PASA dance group. 

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Empath Suncoast Hospice.