Delores Lorraine Rochefort

Delores Lorraine Rochefort (Nee Watkins), 89, of Columbus, OH, (formerly of Mentor, OH)  passed into eternal life peacefully with loving family at her side on Friday, September 22, 2023.

She was born June 22, 1934, in Lochgelly, WV, the daughter of the late Howard and Ruth Watkins and grew up in the hills of West Virginia, along with her 10 siblings, of which she was the oldest.

In June 1956, she married Robert R. Jenkins in Oak Hill, WV and in July 1985, she married Francis Rochefort in Mentor, Ohio.

Delores worked for many years in the custodian business.  Her most notable position was with the YMCA in Painesville, OH.  She worked many years there, and was not only an excellent employee, but was loved by all the staff and residents as well.  She was known for her loving, caring manner, and for always having a smile and cheerful words to share.  She always spread Christ’s love through the way she shared her love not only with her family and friends, but with everyone she was with which helped earn her the crowning of the Miss TOPS award in 1972. Delores was a life-long dog lover and especially loved her Shih Tzus – Shoo Shoo and Too Shoo.  In these last years, her Morkie Teddy, was a big part of her day.

She is survived by her Children, Lonnie “Bo” (Marilyn) Jenkins of Reynoldsburg, OH and Darrell Jenkins of Painesville, OH; many Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren especially her Great-Grandson, Benny, who spent countless hours with his “Gammy” in the last 2 months of her life, and in particular, the last several days.  He will cherish those times forever; dozens of Nieces and Nephews, and Great-Nieces and Great-Nephews; Siblings, Kenneth Watkins, Rondal (Carol) Watkins, Lawrence (Margaret) Watkins, and Della Duncan.

Preceding her in death were her Husband, Francis Rochefort in January 1996; Children, Robert “Bobby” Jenkins, Jeffrey Glenn Jenkins, and Cathy Jenkins Beres; Siblings, Jean Newton, Marvin Dundy, James “Jimmy” Watkins, Dwayne Watkins, Annette “Gay” DeLuca, and Nancy Jo Yerger.

Delores was the family Matriarch.  She was a strong, smart woman who overcame many obstacles in her lifetime, yet she always had a positive outlook and spread love wherever she was.  She called everyone “Darlin” – it was easier than remembering names and was her signature term of endearment.  She will always be remembered as one of the “3 Musketeers” – Delores and her sisters, Gay and Nancy, were inseparable and shared a very special bond.  They are now all together again!  Delores will be missed tremendously but her light will continue to shine forever in the hears of those who loved her.

A Celebration of her amazing life will be held at a later date.  A private service and burial will take place at Mentor Municipal Cemetery in Mentor, OH.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to the staff at the Woodlands in Columbus.  Their kindness and care to Delores and the family was appreciated.  A special “Thank You” to the caring staff at Suncrest Hospice, in particular Heather, who provided exceptional compassionate care to Delores in her last days.