https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/dolores-balkau-obituary?id=61358267#:~:text=With%20heavy%20hearts%20and%20profound,their%20home%20in%20Stuart%2C%20Florida.

With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce that Dolores Jean Balkau passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by her adoring husband Richard Balkau at their home in Stuart, Florida.

Born on July 3, 1939, to her beloved parents Annette and Daniel Auriemma, Dolores grew up in Englewood, New Jersey alongside her treasured brother Daniel. Even her family heritage seemed to foretell her story, as her mother's maiden name, Seppi, meaning 'God will add', and her father's surname, Auriemma, meaning 'golden gem', together painted a portrait of the extraordinary woman she was.

As a devout Catholic, Dolores lived her life with grace, compassion, and kindness led by her unwavering faith. She touched the lives of many with her boundless love, witty charm, and radiant personality that left everyone around her smiling.

Dolores's warmth and nurturing nature found expression in her work as a nurse, where she had a gift for making those around her feel truly cared for. That same magnetic spirit took on a different form in her remarkable career with Avon, where her 'gift of gab' and natural charisma made her the top salesperson in all of New Jersey, a testament to a woman who could walk into any room and leave it brighter than she found it.

It was in her family, however, where these gifts found their truest home. The roles she cherished most and dedicated her life to were those of wife, mother, and grandmother. Dolores and Richard shared a love that most only dream of with a union lasting 65 years and a bond that served as the very heart of their family. She leaves behind a family forever shaped by her devotion and indomitable spirit, the lasting legacy of a beloved matriarch.

Dolores is survived by her husband Richard Balkau; her four children, Steven, Lorraine, Joanne, and William 'Billy'; and her nine grandchildren, Nicole, Kaitlyn, Matthew, Mitchell, Michael, Marley, Tiani, Dani, and Stone.

While her loss creates an irreplaceable void, we find comfort in celebrating the beautiful life Dolores lived and the memories she created that will live forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to have loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Treasure Coast Hospice are warmly welcomed in her memory. Services to honor her life will take place in June, with formal details to be announced by the family.