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The Life of DOLORES V TARAS

Dolores V. Taras, 89, loving mother, grandmother and long-time resident of Lower Alsace Township, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family on Friday, November 15, 2019. Born in Reading, she was the beautiful daughter of the late Stella Klosowski. Dolores is survived by her devoted husband, Eugene “Gene” Taras; and her children: Edward P. Kowalski, of St. Pete Beach, Fla., Mary D. (Kowalski), wife of Chris Mazurek, of Rockland Township, Thomas L., husband of Donna Kowalski, of Spring Township, Robert F., husband of Wendy Kowalski, of Alsace Township, and Michael A. Kowalski, of Lower Alsace Township. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Lisa Kowalski, Sherry (Kowalski) Schuetrumpf, Jason Fick, Brian Fick, Alyssa Oese, Alanna Oese, Katie Kowalski and Robert Kowalski Jr. Dolores is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Ryan Schuetrumpf, Allison Schuetrumpf, Ben Kowalski, Miles Fick and Alexis Fick. Dolores was a 1948 graduate of Alvernia High School and a parishioner of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, both in Reading. Dolores was the first President of the John Paul II Center for Special Learning and co-founder, and she was one of the top fundraisers for the center. Dolores was a co-founder and past President of the Polish American Heritage Association. Dolores was also a past President of the Polka Squires Polka Organization and Polka Squires Dancers. Dolores was very proud of her Polish heritage and she loved to Polka dance. In the Polish community, she was known as Polka Dynamite, a nickname given to Dolores based on her passion and enthusiasm for her Polish heritage. Dolores was also engaged in local politics, assisting countless campaigns with event planning and fundraising. She was also involved in worldwide humanitarian efforts, surpassing even her own fundraising goals. Dolores had a bright cheerful smile, loving heart and vivacious personality. She will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew her. Relatives and friends may extend their sympathy and respects to the family on Thursday, November 21, 2019, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Kopicki-Bradley Funeral Home Inc., 239 South 9th Street, Reading PA, and again on Friday, November 22, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 250 South 12th Street, Reading, PA. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Mary R.C. Cemetery, Reading. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Dayspring Homes, 430 Hazel Street, Reading, PA 19611 in memory of Mrs. Dolores V. Taras.

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