Dolores Audrey Chiechi, 80, of Olympia, Wash., died Feb. 22nd, 2004 in her home surrounded by family. She was born in Battle Lake, Minn. on Feb. 20, 1924.

Dolores is survived by her husband of 55 years, Vito; their nine children, Chris, Steve, Douglas, Victoria Hinze, Gina Glover, Donna Elam, Michael, Maria, and Dolores; 26 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; nieces, Barbara Loomis, Susan Brandt and Marilyn Anderson; nephew, Fred Mills; and many others whom she embraced as her own.

Mom loved spending time with her family and watching her birds. Her thirst and love for knowledge resulted in a personal library of over 1,500 books. She was a true theologian and well versed in world events. She also owned and operated Vito's House of Yarn in Tumwater. Mom was a true example of unconditional love, grace and faith. Her unwavering belief in God and His plan provided her complete inner peace. Those whose lives she touched will miss her dearly and are forever blessed to have known her. She believed that in life it is not what happens to you, it is what you do with what happens to you that matters.