Howell, Dolores A. “Dee-Dee” nee (Rosenberger) 74 of Philadelphia passed away peacefully on September 27th surrounded and comforted by her loved ones. Loving wife of 48 years to the late William “Howie” Howell. A beautiful Mommy who is sorely missed already by her beloved children Melissa Kelly(Late James), Barry (Andrea), Robin McIlhenny(Patrick), Billy “The Hero”, Lisa (Michael Jakeman) and her baby  the late Anthony McIlhenny, Jr.  Cherished Nanny to her 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Dear sister of Joseph Prokus, Mary Ann Mogell (Cary), Dorothy Longo, Ann Kaplan (Philip), and the late Edwin Rosenberger (Patricia) and James Rosenberger. Loved by her many nieces and nephews, all extended family and friends.

Dolores was one of 7 children born to Edwin and Mary Rosenberger in the  Kensington/Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. Growing up in a household that was abundant in love and faith Dolores was blessed with a heart of compassion, kindness, selflessness and love. She attended Nativity B.V.M. Business School. After graduating Dolores worked at Strawbridge & Clothier at 8th & Market Sts., Center City, Philadelphia. It was there that she was exposed to the finest of perfumes and the elegance of always dressing beautifully. She was a natural beauty with her pretty blue eyes and her high cheekbones. Of course she had to be a super model and dyed her hair bleach blonde and even up until her last breath she was a woman of flawless beauty, elegance with a pure prettiness that resonated from her. Her stunning looks caught the eye of the most handsome man from Fishtown....Howie. It was love at first sight for both of them. They were perfect for and with each other. They knew what many family and friends didn't know at that time, that they would be together forever. They eloped to Maryland with her sister Mary Ann and her future husband Jimmy Hainey and got married. When they arrived home they were ordered to have a Catholic wedding ceremony. Then the real magic started to happen. Their love blossomed  into a lifetime of love, family and true happiness. Dolores became a Mommy at the age of 19 and devoted her every moment to being a mother, nanny and great-nanny. Dolores' children are her legacy, along with her husband, raising her cherished children was her most meaningful purpose in life. "Raising your 6 kids on Orleans St. was the best times of my life and I would do it all over again the same exact way”, she had said so many times with happy tears in her eyes. Her home was filled with love, happiness, laughter, good times and revolved around family. All of her neighbors on and from Orleans St. and the surrounding streets were considered family. Dolores and Howie gave their children the riches in life that many can only wish for. Instilled in her children were love, faith, loyalty, family first, empathy and compassion for others, loving and believing in one's self, don't look for trouble but never stand down for something you believe in. She also gave her children the knowledge of making a happy, healthy home both as husbands and wives. Dolores was a tough cookie and as beautiful and elegant of a lady that she was, she had the fierce Kensington spirit and she loved to use that 4-letter word.....some of her last words included that four letter word said only to make her loved ones laugh. She loved to laugh and make others laugh. After her Howie and her Anthony passed her heart was longing for them. Always with family, a great piece of her heart was missing them tremendously. Now she is at peace, reunited with them and all her family and friends that were awaiting her arrival at the Golden Gates. Hopefully there is a thrift store in Heaven because that was Dolores'  lifetime hobby, adventure and excitement. There is so much more to say about Dolores but anyone reading this most likely has been touched by her kindness, wit, love and beauty, so you all already know that she loved every one of you and considered you all her family. She was everyone's Mom, friend, sister and even complete strangers were touched by her kindness. So, as she blows a kiss bye for now and a pretty wave with her beautiful smile.....just know that she will be waiting with her warm welcoming love to greet you all at the gates of Heaven because you all have another Angel to watch over you now.  

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing and funeral Tuesday beginning at 7pm in the Hubert M. McBride Funeral Home 2357 E. Cumberland Street Philadelphia PA 19125. Her funeral service will begin at 8:30pm. Interment will be private as her wishes were to be cremated. 

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