Delores Jean (Palovik) Patak

October 26, 1930 – November 10, 2023

Delores Jean Patak died at her home while surrounded by family on Friday, November 10, 2023. She was born in her grandparents’ home in Perry on October 26, 1930, to John and Charlotte Palovik. She attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church her entire life. It was there that she met the love of her life, husband of 70 years, George Patak. They were married on April 17, 1953, in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

She enjoyed many years of employment with Southwestern Bell beginning after graduation from high school. She later worked as an administrative assistant with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation once her children were of high school age. She retired from that position at sixty-two years of age and began enjoying many of her personal interests.

While her children were small, she was a stay-at-home mother who sewed clothes for all her family members. Sewing continued to be one of her favorite things, as well as reading. She loved cooking and gardening and spent many hours each summer canning and making jellies.

She volunteered as a Cub Scout den mother, was active with her children in 4-H activities and enjoyed volunteering at the OK Historical Society and Cherokee Strip Museum. She seemed to create a second career for herself as a volunteer with Operation Blessing to which she was highly dedicated because of her love for the workers and clients.

She always enjoyed meeting new people and seeing new places during her travels with family members, as well as on organized tours, including Ann’s Adventure trips.

She was a proud member of the Perry community. She loved the community activities and visiting old friends at the Perry Alumni. An eternal optimist, she always saw the best in people. She enjoyed visiting shut-ins, caring for elderly relatives, and serving meals at funeral dinners and Lions Club.

She leaves behind, to cherish her memory, husband: George, of the home; children: Ann Patak, Georgette Patak, Tony Patak and wife Mellanie, Tim Patak and wife Trudie, Paul Patak and wife Becky, and Pam Dale and husband Mike; grandchildren: Michelle Dinon and husband Jack, Jeremy Patak, Jessica Patak, Allison Patak, Joshua Dale, Eli Patak; and one great-granddaughter: Sophia Dinon; brother: John Palovik and wife Marla, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents, John and Charlotte Palovik, grandchild, Jacob Dale, siblings, Duane Palovik, Helen Murch and Pat Lewis.

A rosary will be held at the Brown Dugger Funeral Home of Perry on November 17, 2023, at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on November 18, 2023. Father Raju Bala will officiate. Burial will follow at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery, west of Perry. You can make a donation in honor of Delores to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.