Delores Ann Jenkins

Delores (Dee) Ann Merrick Mabee Jenkins Age 81, passed away on January 24, 2022. Delores was born in Jamestown, NY on March 22, 1940, the daughter of the late Paul J. and Helen L. (Morrell) Merrick. She was predeceased by the love of her life and husband of 50 years Daniel (Tom) Jenkins, Jr. on April 5, 2017. In addition to her parents and husband, Dee was predeceased by her sisters Nancy Penhollow and Martha Sullivan and her brother Paul Merrick. She was the last surviving sibling. Dee is survived by her children, Pam (Mike) DeRigge, Helen (John) McGough, Venessa Cicora, son-in-law, Mark Cicora. When she married "Tommy" she became mom to six additional children; Daniel (Marcia) Jenkins, Virginia (George) Weikle, Cindy Jenkins, Richard Jenkins and Terry (Chris) Burley. She was predeceased by daughter Dawn Jenkins. She truly loved each of her children with all her heart. Dee is survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Tonya Berbary and Brady White with sons Landon and Bryce, Alec Cicora, Zachary Cicora and Danielle Rinwalske with Great-grandbaby Cicora due July, 2022. Madison Hope McGough, Connie (Chris) Paventy and Stephanie (Colin) Firenze with daughter Alyssa. Erica (Mike) Lohmeyer, with son Gavin, Autumn (Dave) Carson with daughter Alexis. Shannon Weikle with children, Wyatt, Malea, and Brayden. Christopher (Karen) Weikle with sons Ty and Kagan, George Allen (Kimberly) Weikle with daughters Ashlyn, Katie and Arianna, Elisabeth, Noah and Lauren Burley and Katie DeRigge, Sarah (Mike) Morgan and Jennifer (Jason) Tiffany. Dee loved her precious cat, TJ aka "Big Boy", who kept her company until her move to Elcor. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. Dee was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom and raise her family. She operated a Daycare for many years. Many children passed through her Daycare including a few of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom had the ability to make friends with most people that she met. She had a gift for conversation and a great sense of humor, but if she didn't like you, you knew it right away. She was a "pull no punches" kind of gal. Stubborn you say? Yes, she was. She kept that stubborness up until her last day. Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 75 and was very proud to be a breast cancer survivor. Dee was an avid fan of The Buffalo Bills, Yankees and NASCAR. She loved the Hallmark Channel and music. Any given day you would visit she would be watching Hallmark or listening to her music. Many, many thanks to the staff at Elcor Nursing and Rehabilitation. You are Angels sent from heaven and mom loved all of you. God bless you for your hard work and compassion. Rest in peace mom and we're sure there was a large crowd waiting to welcome you into heaven with Dad at the head of the line to give his DeeDee her long awaited hug. Mom, our family will miss you more than you know, but you deserve to be comfortable, happy and pain free. Friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Penna Ave., Elmira, on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM with funeral and committal services there at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dee's memory to Chemung County SPCA, 2435 NY-352, Elmira, NY 14903, to Falck Cancer Center, 600 Roe Avenue, Elmira, NY 14901, or Elcor Nursing and Rehabilitation, 48 Colonial Drive, Horseheads, NY 14845.