Dolores Ann (Hoey) Drews

Dolores Ann (Lorre) Drews of Mount Vernon, Ohio, formerly of Port Chester and Elmira, N.Y. died September 13, 2019 at The Ohio Eastern Star Home in Mount Vernon, Ohio; joining the many beloved family and friends that have gone before her.  Dolores was born February 4, 1927 to John and Dorothy (Simons) Hoey. In 1973 her first granddaughter, Diana Drews, called her "Heyma" and from then on she was known as "Heyma!"  

Dolores graduated from Port Chester High School in 1945.She was a trained contralto vocalist and loved to sing her entire life. Through the years each family member, on their birthday, was serenaded with a rendition of "Happy Birthday!".  She attended Traphagen School of Design in New York City.  One of her projects there was to design Bess Meyerson's "Miss America" wardrobe.

On September 2, 1947, Dolores wed John F. Drews Jr., also of Port Chester. They met in High School and kept in touch, while during WWII, he marched across North Africa, Sicily and Italy with the 88th Infantry Division.  After they were married, his work took her and their children to homes all over the country.  They were married for almost 49 years before his untimely death in 1996 from complications of Alzheimer's Disease.

Dolores is survived by her children, Robert (Barbara)  Drews of Mount Vernon, Ohio; John F.(Patricia) Drews III of Saugerties, N.Y.; and Chyrll Ann (Luke) Ciliberto of Putnam Valley, NY; 11 grandchildren: Diana Drews, Christina Ciliberto-Coons, Patience Drews (Michael) Gully, Bridget Ciliberto(Andrew) Mekeel, Jason(Heather) Drews, Sgt. Michael (Sandra)Ciliberto, Jonathan (Lindsay) Drews, Thomas(Jaime) Ciliberto, Brittany (finance' Leslie Crawford III), Craig and Alex Drews; 10 great-grandchildren: Tyler and Logan White ,Benjamin Ciliberto-Coons, Philip Di Pompei, Andrew and Samuel Mekeel, Westyn Drews, Skylar Crawford, Cherilyn Ciliberto and Koby Jay Drews; sister, Gael Garrity of Pittsford, N.Y; brother-in-law, James  E. Drews of Virginia Beach,Va; and many nieces and nephews and several cousins.

      In addition to her parents and her husband, Dolores was predeceased by her sister, Patricia Rockwell and her brother, John Jerry Hoey.

In her later years, Dolores and Rosie, her black lab, travelled to visit her children in Putnam Valley NY, Kingston, NY, and Mount Vernon, Ohio and her sister, Gael Garrity and her family in Rochester from her "Home Base" in Elmira, NY.  As her grandson, Craig Drews remarked, "She traveled more miles than Lewis and Clark".

Dolores continued to sew for herself and her family until her 90's, known for her long sleeve flannel men's shirts.  She also made coats and dresses for her daughter and granddaughters, including Flower Girl Dresses for Christina and Bridget. Dolores also took on the task of making several bridesmaids' dresses for her daughter's wedding, a major project!  She sewed skating costumes for her niece, Briann Rockwell and made many items for the wedding of her niece, Katie Garrity.  She made curtains, bedspreads, and baby receiving blankets for Michael along with being known as an expert repair person of beloved stuffed animals.  Dolores was an expert knitter and made beautiful baby sweaters.  Many family members continue to enjoy her knitted gloves and socks. One time she branched out to embroidery.  She did all the embroidery on an Irish Step Dancing Costume for her niece, Randy Rockwell.    

Dolores was an avid walker, covering many miles in both Port Chester and Elmira.  Gardening when and wherever possible, she was a string bean and broccoli growing expert.  She had her canine partners - Alvin, Pandora, Rosie and finally, Lucky.  He was truly lucky to have her.

Dolores filled our lives with love, patience, and fond memories always sending us off with “be careful”.  We’ll miss you Heyma.

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