Dolores Bierman

Dolores Marie Bierman passed away of natural causes November 3, 2021 in Beaumont, California at the age of 90. She was born April 28, 1931 in Albany, New York. Although she was the only child of John and Josephine Hart, she grew up surrounded by a large extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. She began to cultivate her many talents, including piano, sewing, and needlework as well as being an excellent scholar.

Always possessing an adventurous spirit, the course of her life took her many places. At age eighteen, having been accepted to Barnard College, she made the journey to New York City. It was while at college she met the love of her life, Carl Bierman. They eloped and were married October 30, 1950 in North Carolina. The couple returned to New York City where Carl continued his education and Dolores worked in the registrar's office at Columbia University. In a few years they moved to Boston where Carl continued his studies and Dolores obtained employment at the registrar's office at Harvard University.

In 1957 the couple moved to Kennebunk, Maine where her husband had accepted a minister's position. During the next five years, they began a family welcoming two daughters. In 1962 a move was made to the Delaware Valley for her husband's second church. It was here where the family grew and flourished for the next sixteen years. The first stop in the Delaware Valley was Yardley, Pennsylvania. Then in 1963 a home was purchased in Trenton, New Jersey. Two more children were welcomed into the family, a daughter and a son.

Dolores devoted herself to her husband and family creating a comfortable and loving atmosphere. There were home cooked meals every day. Dolores loved to find new recipes and make delicious deserts and homemade breads. She made many of her own clothes as well as clothes for her children. She knitted mittens, slipper socks, sweaters, and crocheted vests for her children. The holidays were made extra special with decorations and specialty deserts and dinners. She looked forward every year to summer vacations at Lake Bomoseen, Vermont where the family rented a cabin. Sunday mornings were filled with the sounds of a typewriter as Dolores woke at an early hour to type her husband's sermons. She hosted many church events at her home and was active in the Womens' Alliance and sewing group.

While staying with the same church, in 1972 the family moved fifteen miles north to Lambertville, New Jersey. Dolores found part time employment as a library assistant at the local elementary school where her two youngest children were in attendance. She, her husband and family participated in many activities surrounding the Bicentennial celebration in 1976 and she remained active in the church.

In 1978, her husband accepted his third church in Springfield, Missouri. Although it meant moving away from friends and family, Dolores was excited to see more of the country. It was in Springfield where Dolores finished her bachelor's degree, graduating at age 54 from Missouri State University with a degree in Antiquities and a minor in Library Science. During these years in Missouri, she also became a grandmother.

With the children grown, the couple moved back east to Woodstock, Vermont where her husband settled into his fourth church. Dolores enjoyed the small-town atmosphere and became active in the community. She was employed part time at a bank in Woodstock and was an active member of the Woodstock Garden Club serving as treasurer in 1988 and 1989. She enjoyed visits from her children and grandchildren.

With her husband's retirement in the early 1990s, the couple moved to Albany, New York. Dolores found employment at Fleet Bank for a few years. She perfected her quilting skills as a member of the quilting group, the "Piece Makers." She and her husband frequently travelled to visit children and grandchildren taking them from New York to Alabama, Missouri and California. These travels culminated in 2000 with a celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary at a family gathering in Springfield, Missouri.

In the early 2000s Dolores and her husband lived quietly at their residence in Albany with frequent visits from family. She continued to use her talents to make sweaters, bonnets and booties for new arrivals to the family. After the death of her husband in 2010, Dolores continued to live in her home until 2016 when she took up residence in Atria, an assisted living in Guilderland, New York. While there Dolores made many new friends and enjoyed the daily activities. Because of her friendly nature, she was given the role of Welcoming Ambassador for new residents.

In 2019, Dolores decided to have one more adventure. She moved to Southern California to spend her remaining years where she would be near a daughter and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She continued with her knitting and made scarves and items for charitable organizations. Residing in an assisted living, activities and sing-alongs were especially enjoyable for her as well as the new friends she made. She looked forward to family visits and spending the holidays with her family.
As her health began to decline, she went to live in the home of her daughter. On November 3, 2021 she passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.
Dolores was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Reverend Carl Bierman; her parents, John E. Hart and Josephine Hart Hanson; son in-law, Charlie Opitz; grandson in-law, Jon Bintz; and her beloved dog Woody.

She is survived by her daughter, Natalie Opitz; grandson Marcus Opitz; grand-daughter Tara Opitz Taylor (Juan Pablo), great-grand-daughters Olivia and Francine Taylor; grandson Nicholas Opitz; grandson Mathew Opitz (Ashley); daughter Daphne McKinney; grandson Malcolm McKinney (Jessica); grandson Alec McKinney; grandson David McKinney; daughter Sally Diggins (Patrick); grandson Patrick Diggins IV (Katie); grandson Zachary Diggins (Kirsten); grandson Henry Diggins (Maddy); great-grandsons Odin and Bodhi Diggins; son Andrew C. Bierman (Jill); granddaughter Kt Bierman; grandson Nathan Bierman as well as extended family members in the Albany area.

Throughout her life Dolores gave graciously of her time, talents and love. She was a devoted and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be missed and forever in our hearts.

A graveside service will be held on Friday November 19th at 11:30am at Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands NY